No more Dutch for Socceroos

Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek will move into a technical role for Morocco, meaning the green and gold job will be vacant after the World Cup.

“Let me say this. Is the coach coming from the 31 countries that are here [in South Africa]? Yes,” Lowy told Fairfax media.

While Lowy would not reveal any more, his words have condensed the field considerably, with Cameroon boss Paul Le Guen rumoured to be the current front-runner.

Of the World Cup coaches, Morten Olsen (Denmark), Ottmar Hitzfeld (Switzerland), Fabio Capello (England), Vincente del Bosque (Spain), Radomir Antic (Serbia), Carlos Queiroz (Portugal) and Bert van Marwijk (Netherlands) are all under contract beyond the tournament, therefore unlikely to be eligible.

In fact Van Marwijk’s unavailability means that despite popular belief, Australia’s next coach will not be a Dutchman following consecutive World Cups under Guus Hiddink and Verbeek.

Further to those who are contractually unavailable, Italy coach Marcello Lippi is not considered a legitimate candidate due to his supposed native exclusivity, similarly Diego Maradona of Argentina, while Brazil’s Dunga will likely move to a club role beyond coaching the Selecao.

Also there are coaches at the World Cup considered too regional in their appeal, therefore not fitting of the criteria Lowy and FFA are looking for as Verbeek’s successor.

These individuals include Oscar Tabarez (Uruguay), Kim Jong Hun (Korea DPR), Jung-Moo Huh (Korea Republic), Bob Bradley (USA), Rabah Saadane (Algeria), Matjaz Kek (Slovenia), Takeshi Okada (Japan), Gerardo Martino (Paraguay), Vladimir Weiss (Slovakia) and Reinaldo Rueda (Honduras).

This leaves a field of Le Guen, Lars Lagerback (Nigeria), Otto Rehhagel (Greece), Ricky Herbert (New Zealand), Raymond Domenech (France), Sven-Goran Eriksson (Cote d’Ivoire), Joachim Low (Germany), Marcelo Bielsa (Chile), Milovan Rajevac (Ghana) and Javier Aguirre (Mexico).

Herbert, who has been impressive in leading the All Whites, is considered a long-shot while Domenech has been very maligned during his Les Bleus stint, making him a choice too many would be critical of.

Socceroos critics during the Verbeek era have complained of his defensive approach to games. Le Guen, Low, Bielsa and Aguirre are leading teams that have entertained in their outings so far during this World Cup.

Rehhagel is considered a defensive coach, while Rajevac, Lagerback and Eriksson have all won plaudits for bringing more disciplined and defensive approaches to the African sides they respectively coach.

From those available, Le Guen, whose Cameroon side was the first knocked out of the World Cup despite its entertaining and attacking displays, is considered the most likely to accept the challenge Australia presents.

The former France international has no Asian experience but is well-travelled having coached in France, Scotland and Africa.

The 46-year-old’s most successful spell was leading Olympique Lyon to three consecutive Ligue 1 titles. In contrast, Le Guen had a forgettable spell in charge of Rangers in Scotland.

Many would love to see Chile’s Bielsa, Germany’s Low or Mexico’s Aguirre coach the Socceroos, however judging by their impressive World Cup starts, all three are likely to be offered contract extensions or attract big-money roles in Europe or South America.

Despite the condensed field, speculation is likely to continue for a little while yet, as Lowy declared that FFA is in no rush to make a decision.

“It needs to be a very deliberate process; if we make the wrong decision, it could affect us for a long time,” he said.

“We have many irons in the fire but we will take our time to choose. It's very important we find the right person at the right price.

“I think we are in a reasonable position to do that, and we have to be competitive. Nobody is coming to Australia because they like the country, or the colour of my eyes.”

FFA CEO Ben Buckley echoed Lowy’s sentiments.

“For the past few months, since Pim informed us that he wouldn't be continuing, we have been going through a process of looking for a new coach,” Buckley told News Limited.

“That includes a number of different discussions and meetings in various parts of the world, between various members of our team.

“And that will continue until we find the right person.”