Socceroos players insist they are unwavering in their support of Holger Osieck amid speculation the national coach’s job is on the line against France.
Osieck will lead Australia into Saturday morning’s friendly against a strong French team in Paris with his position under threat following last month’s 6-0 drubbing by Brazil.
Reports suggest another poor performance could result in the German being axed despite already guiding the Socceroos to next year’s World Cup, while there are claims Football Federation Australia have already sought out potential replacements.
But the talk has not unsettled the playing group in the French capital, according to veteran defender Luke Wilkshire, who insists the manager has the full backing of his troops.
“I don’t think that’s ever been in question and the talk and suggestion, that’s just the world of football,” Wilkshire said earlier this week.
“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.”
Goalkeeper Mitch Langerak, expected to make his debut in Mark Schwarzer’s absence, echoed Wilkshire’s views and said the players were highly motivated to get a result against Les Bleus.
Wilkshire returns to the squad after missing the loss in Brasilia with a knee injury.
The Dynamo Moscow star is still managing the problem but is confident of being fit to face a star-studded French side.
France will field a powerful squad including Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery and Manchester City’s Samir Nasri. The team hasn’t had a strong run of late, with a mixed run of results.
Their 4-2 win away to Belarus last month ended a five-game winless and goalless run and the 25th-ranked side will use the Socceroos clash as a tune-up for next week’s crunch home World Cup qualifier against Finland.
Australia have lost Brett Holman and Tom Rogic due to injury.
They fly to London tomorrow to take on Canada in four days.
Source: AP
