Brisbane Roar has given Ange Postecoglou two and a half years to prove himself as a Hyundai A-League coach, with the club confirming on Friday morning that the former Young Socceroos coach will take on the top job.
Postecoglou, 44, replaces Frank Farina, who was sacked by the club earlier in the week.
Postecoglou, who coached South Melbourne to successive NSL titles in the late 1990s, spent seven years as Australian youth coach, while he also spent nine months in charge of Greek side Panahaiki.
Since returning to Australia last year, he has worked as a Fox Sports football pundit, appearing as recently as Wednesday’s coverage of the Socceroos Asian Cup qualifier against Oman.
Assistant coach Rado Vidosic will be in charge of this weekend’s clash against the Mariners but Postecoglou is keen to make the transition as smooth as possible for the team.
“The reality of it is there’s a season to be played and we’re still very much amongst it,” he said.
“I’ve watched every game this season … so I know the Brisbane squad pretty well and they’re a very talented squad.”
“Looking at it from the outside I think it’s a squad that capable of doing very well this year and beyond.”
Postecoglou said he was hoping to take over a winning team next week.
“If we lose tomorrow night I think people will legitimately turn around and say ‘well it’s been a tough week, you don’t blame them’,” he said.
“But on the other hand, you can rise to that challenge. I’m hoping the players embrace it like that.”
Club chairman Chris Bombolas said the appointment was a significant moment in the Roar’s short history.
“We are genuinely excited about the appointment and look forward to a bright future in a new chapter for the Roar,” Bombolas said.
