An emotional Ange Postecoglou quit as Australia manager on Wednesday, just days after guiding the team to a World Cup spot and leaving them only months to find a replacement for the tournament in Russia.
The 52-year-old Australian did not reveal the reason behind his decision, which had been widely expected after he repeatedly refused to deny reports he was about to stepping down.
His departure, at the end of a five-year contract, leaves the Asian champions in turmoil ahead of the June-July World Cup, where they will hope to improve on their three straight defeats in 2014.
Postecoglou gave no details about his future plans, beyond saying he hoped to coach a club overseas. But he said he felt it was “the right time” to leave.
“It’s been the biggest privilege of my life and probably not the ending I had envisaged when we started, but at the same time, knowing it’s the right time for me and the right decision.”
Postecoglou brushed aside questions about whether he had been affected by media criticism and denied any conflict with Football Federation Australia.
FFA chief executive David Gallop said he was “disappointed and I guess still a bit puzzled” but added: “I’m supportive of the notion that sometimes you reach a point where you just know that you need to do something new.”
The Socceroo’s, who beat Syria and then Honduras in two-legged playoffs to seal their World Cup spot, do not play again until March.
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