Ange Postecoglou, who guided Australia to 2015 Asian Cup glory, says he will leave his position as the Socceroos’ coach by the end of the national team’s 2018 World Cup campaign.
Postecoglou was speaking at a dinner on Wednesday night in Sydney, alongside former SBS broadcaster Les Murray.
“Enjoyed interviewing Ange Postecoglou at the AFI dinner last night where he confirmed that after the 2018 World Cup he’s stepping down,” Murray tweeted on Thursday morning.
Postecoglou’s statements align with what has been his intention for some time, inside sources confirm: to coach Australia at a second World Cup and then challenge himself with a coaching position overseas.
Postecoglou was appointed coach of Australia’s national soccer team in October 2013 on a five-year contract.
Under his guidance, the Socceroos exceeded most expectations in a tough group at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and won the 2015 Asian Cup on home soil.
However, Australia’s current qualifying campaign for the World Cup in Russia next year hasn’t been straightforward and they are third in their group with three games to play.
Postecoglou has previously stated that he would resign if Australia failed to qualify for the World Cup.