The managerial candidates ready to replace Holger Osieck

Holger Osieck dejected following 6-0 rout at the hands of France. Image courtesy of New Limited.

“Iugula! Iugula! Iugula!”, clamored the spectators that filled the Colosseum for the day’s spectacle. The gladiator lay on the burning hot pebbles that made up the surface of amphitheatre; motionless and gravely injured. The crowd, who had come to see some blood and guts,  pressured the emperor to give the fateful signal. And with a slight hesitation, the emperor ordered for the gladiator’s death, much to the delight of the spectators.

Indeed, that fictional story above is not in any way dissimilar to the situation we find ourselves here. For far too long, fans have been calling for the head of Holger Osieck. Poor World Cup Qualifying results; with Australia needing a 83rd minute header against Iraq to qualify for next year’s showpiece, in conjunction with a rout at the hands of Scolari’s Brazil last month saw the cyber ‘#holgerout’ campaign explode into life.

Meanwhile, on multiple occasions, Holger sought the backing of the FFA. And despite a run of poor results, the 65-year-old German native was adamant that he had secured the job until at least after the World Cup. He was horribly wrong.

“Nobody has spoken to me and if they (FFA) have ideas like that it would probably be just a matter of fairness at least to have a conversation with me,” Osieck told AAP.

 

“But nothing has happened. Therefore I don’t pay any attention to the speculation. I don’t need any distractions.”

Fans of the former Canada boss continue to question the motives behind FFA’s sacking. After all, he completed the clause on his contract, i.e. successfully assisting the Socceroos in making the World Cup. However, in this day and age where football is slowly gathering momentum and making its way into becoming Australia’s no.1 football code, qualifying for the World Cup in such a mediocre fashion is no longer acceptable.  Nowadays, we are expected to be able to compete with the world’s football superpowers and no get humiliated on the international stage.

In addition, Osieck’s reluctance in integrating youngsters – many of whom now feature heavily at European clubs, properly into the national set-up and his evident tactical incompetency has ultimately cost him his job.

“Football Federation Australia (FFA) has today announced that the contract of Holger Osieck as Head Coach of the Socceroos has been terminated,” read FFA’s official statement.

 

“The decision was taken after an internal review of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign and the international matches played since, including the 6-0 defeat to Brazil on 6 September and the 6-0 defeat to France earlier today.”

As it stands, Holger is definitely out, but who should replace the incompetent German?

BREAKING NEWS | Holger Osieck’s contract terminated. Read more here: http://t.co/kB3mS9QThb

— Football Australia (@FFA) October 11, 2013

There is no doubt that both Graham Arnold and Ange Postecoglou would make ideal candidates for the job. Both of the aforementioned managers have previously featured at the helm of the Socceroos with mixed degree of successes. Since then, their work in the A-League has been phenomenal, both of whom have been managers of A-League Championship winning teams. However, appointing them may have an unwarranted impact on the A-League itself.

Definitely disagree with Ange or Arnie being picked. They’re both making an invaluable impact on the A-League.

— Daniel Palmer (@userlastname) October 11, 2013

This has unsurprisingly led to calls to bring back Guus Hiddink, the mastermind behind Australia’s qualification and World Cup success back in 2005 and 2006. So too has former Athletic Bilbao coach Marcelo Bielsa been touted as a candidate for the job.

Personally think we need an old head in now, get to World Cup then go Ange or Arnie (just too soon for Popa) from then on with a clean slate

— Adam Peacock (@adampeacock3) October 11, 2013

While both departed their previous jobs on a low, it is without a doubt that their crucial experience will give Australian football respectability and a much-needed morale boost following a poor run of results.

Hiddink, who is vastly considered as one of the best managers of his generation, has experienced success on the international stage; leading both the Netherlands and South Korea to fourth placed finishes in both the 1998 and 2002 editions of the FIFA World Cup respectively.

On a tactical level, the 66-year-old Dutchman is known for his ability in making crucial decisions which can ultimately alter the course of matches. He is known to be able to efficiently blend his tactical style to suit the players he has at his disposal and most importantly, he is remarkable at spotting genuine talent. The fact that he was linked with the Barcelona position a few months ago is a testament to his world-class ability as manager.

Marcelo Bielsa too offers similar traits. Known for playing in ‘total football’-esque style, will undoubtedly implement an efficient attacking style of play, characterised by short passes, and smart runs whilst patiently attempting to unlock the opposing defence. His troops are also known for their brilliant work ethic, tactical flexibility and their high defensive pressing which will enable the team to find an attacking-defending balance.

And with the future of the game in Australia at stake, it is the FFA’s responsibility to act swiftly in appointing a new coach. After all, there are only 242 days until the World Cup.

Follow Cronan on Twitter: @Cronan_Yu