Australia Welcomes Former Socceroos Managers Ahead of England Friendly

Australia welcomed Ange Postecoglou and Guus Hiddink into the camp ahead of the friendly against England on Friday, with the former Socceroos managers offering some inspiring words to the current squad. The Three Lions host the Australians at Wembley this week, with the visitors looking to pull off a memorable upset like they did in 2003 when they beat England 3-1 at Upton Park.

Postecoglou and Hiddink Offer Inspiration to Socceroos Squad

The current Tottenham manager hoped to leave an impression on the Aussie squad, telling them they can inspire future football players and fans.

‘(It’s) the impact you can have for future generations,’ he told the Socceroos. ‘You play at a stadium like that, make an impact – it’s not just for you. There’s going to be a little boy or a little girl who are going to look at that and say “one day that’s going to be me”.’

Postecoglou’s Spurs team sit top of the Premier League in a superb start to life in England for the former Celtic boss. He told his compatriots that they may have to work harder than others in football due to their nationality, but that is not necessarily a bad thing.

‘It wasn’t that long ago I was here (as Australia coach). Now I’m in the Premier League and everybody loves me, but trust me I haven’t changed one bit,’ he said. ‘I’m the same person but because I was Australian, because you’re Australian, sometimes you’ve got to work that little bit harder. There’s nothing wrong with that.’

Arnold Delighted with Visit from Former Socceroos Managers

Current Australia boss Graham Arnold was delighted to have the experienced managers stop by and give his team a boost.

‘It was a great touch for the boys to see two of the greatest Socceroos coaches ever in Guus and Ange in with the rest of the boys,’ said Arnold. ‘It was typical Ange and Guus. They don’t want to be a distraction, but to bring them in … has been great.’

Arnold believes there is some snobbery that Australian coaches have to deal with, but feels that the success of Postecoglou a Celtic and now Tottenham is helping to change things.

‘I hope it does go,’ Arnold told