Postecoglou confident, Stielike hesitant

Rival coaches Ange Postecoglou and Uli Stielike gave contrasting views on the AFC Asian Cup final that will provide the winning team with a rare international success.

postecoglou

Australian coach Ange Postecoglou during the Semi Final Asian Cup match between Australia and the United Arab Emirates at Hunter Stadium in Newcastle, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Australia and Korea Republic clash in Sydney on Saturday in a keenly expected final that has been declared a sellout.

It will be a titanic struggle between the free-scoring Socceroos and the Taeguk Warriors who have yet to concede a goal in the tournament.

The Socceroos are chasing the first major honour in their history while the Koreans are seeking to win the continental title for the first time in 55 years.

Both teams therefore are potentially 90 minutes away from achieving something very special for their country and expectant fans.

So how are the two teams coping with the pressure-cooker atmosphere that has suddenly been thrust upon them?

Confident Postecoglou is adamant that pressure will not be an issue in the final.

Hesistant Stielike admits he is unsure of how his players will cope with the occasion.

"I don't think the players will get caught up in the occasion, that's not really an issue," Postecoglou said.

"Sometimes the most experienced players freeze on the pitch.

"The group has been very, very good and there is nothing that I've seen to suggest to me that the occasion will get to anyone.

"I mean, after the semi-final when I got back into the rooms the players were already in recovery mode and focussing on the final.

"I can't speak more highly of their professionalism over this last month which is a long time to be together and live in each other's pockets twenty-four seven.

"It's a unique situation that only international football brings out.

"All the players have been making sure that everybody else was doing the right thing.

"It's a big game but I'm sure nobody is going to freeze. There is always that possbility but I've got great faith in my players.

"We're obviously pleased to be in the final. For the tournament to be successful it was important that we as the host country play in the final game. That part of the job is done.

"It's going to be a good challenge against a very good opponent and we're looking forward to it."

Stielike, who played for Real Madrid in the 1980s, is not so confident that is players can handle the occasion.

"Working with Asian players is not hard in the sense that you don't have to repeat too many things because they are attentive and disciplined," Stielike said.

"They are very professional so keeping their focus on the final was not a problem.

"What I don't know is how my players will perform on the field.

"We have a lot of young players and tomorrow will be the first time that they will be in a big final in front of 80,000 people.

"I really don't know how my players will react. If we can control our nerves and play with calm and conviction we would have every possibility to win the game.

"This is what will be most important for us tomorrow: how strong will our mentality be."


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3 min read
Published 30 January 2015 6:30pm
Updated 31 January 2015 6:03am
By Philip Micallef
Source: SBS

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