Australia Boss Resigns Six Days After World Cup Qualification

Ange Postecoglou has resigned as Australia boss six days after the team qualified for the World Cup, saying the job has “taken a toll on me”.

The 52-year-old Greek-born Australian guided the Socceroos to their fourth straight World Cup with a 3-1 aggregate victory over Honduras in the playoffs.

He was offered the chance to discuss a new deal beyond next year’s tournament in Russia but decided to leave.

“This has been a very tough decision for me,” he said.

“All this has taken a toll on me both personally and professionally. I have invested all I can knowing how important a period it was for Australian football. It is with a heavy heart that I must now end the journey.

“To coach, your own country is the greatest privilege but it also has an enormous responsibility.

“I feel now is the right time to pass on that responsibility to someone who will have the energy it requires. I owe this to the football association, the players and the fans.”

Postecoglou took over from Holger Osieck in 2013 and led the country to the Asian Cup two years later. He won 22 of his 49 matches in charge.

The draw for the World Cup takes place at Moscow’s State Kremlin Palace concert hall on Friday, 1 December at 15:00 GMT.