Ange backs ‘world-class’ off-field team as Honduras looms
With a tricky logistical task ahead playing in Honduras then Sydney over five days, Caltex Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou has backed the team’s off-field support staff, describing them as world class.
The Caltex Socceroos face Honduras on November 11 (Australian time) in Central America and November 15 in Sydney in a winner-takes-all playoff over two legs.
It means if there is extra time or even penalties, that will happen in the second leg in Sydney in front of a massive home crowd.
Home advantage aside, Postecoglou has 100% belief in the structures around the team after an arduous 22-game qualification journey that began in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan in central Asia.
The planning for this Honduras clash began before the playoff was even confirmed and he says it’s a clear advantage in such a scenario to have such a well-prepared off-field team.
“We’ve gone to some really challenging places [in this qualification campaign]," he said at the NAB celebration of football event.
“And while people are focusing on what we’ll face over there [in Honduras], what they’re not thinking about is that trip back. That’s going to be tough.
“And we’ll back the way we’ll recover our players as against anybody in the world.
“I actually think it’s going to be an advantage for us the fact that it’ll be two tough games with some tough travel in between.
“In terms of the physical and psychological preparation, I reckon we’ll be well ahead of the opposition.”
It’s possible that the team will have a charter flight back to Sydney for the crucial second leg, reprising the famous journey back in 2005 for the Uruguay playoff qualifier second leg from Montevideo.
