PARIS: Holger Osieck may have guided Australia to the World Cup finals in Brazil next year but the German manager comes into today’s friendly against France under intense pressure.
In some quarters there are suggestions the clash at the Parc des Princes could be his last in charge of the Socceroos if they suffer another heavy defeat.
Instead of basking in the glow of a successful World Cup qualifying campaign and preparing in tranquility for the global showpiece which begins next June, Osieck has instead come under a heavy bombardment.
Last month’s humiliating 6-0 thrashing by Brazil in Brasilia has left Osieck defending his position, not least because of an unconvincing, although ultimately successful World Cup qualifying campaign.
Although Australia negotiated Asian qualifying, they did so despite some dire results, including a 2-1 defeat in Jordan and a 2-2 draw at home to Oman.
But despite the coach’s troubles, his players have rallied around the 65-year-old, who has also coached in Japan, Canada and Turkey.
“I don’t think that’s ever been in question and the talk and suggestion, that’s just the world of football,” Dinamo Moscow full-back Luke Wilkshire told AAP.
“It’s not a concern for us.
“We come into camp and every player who pulls on a green and gold jersey wants to perform for their country first and foremost, and for the team, for each other and for the coach.
“Everyone is 100 per cent behind him (Osieck) and the whole squad, we’re all together in this.”AFP
