Josep Gombau says a chat with Ange Postecoglou and the opportunity to work with the Caltex Socceroos coach convinced him to become the new boss of the Olyroos.
Speaking on Tuesday after it was announced the Spaniard would take charge of the Olyroos up until the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Gombau was excited about his “new project” in Australia.
And it’s working with Postecoglou that most excites the Spaniard and was a major factor in his decision to return to Australia after leaving Hyundai A-League club Adelaide United last year.
Josep Gombau appointed as Olyroos coach
“I spoke with Ange it sounded like a big challenge. I've never had a job like this and this is a country that treated me so well,” Gombau told reporters on Tuesday from his base in New York.
“Ange thinks I'm right for the job and believes I can be involved in this project.
“To work with someone like Ange, for me it’s perfect. I’m so proud that he sees myself to be part of his staff.”
As part of the 40-year-old’s brief, he will also assist Paul Okon with the Australian under-20 squad as well as join Postecoglou’s coaching staff.
Gombau, a former Barcelona youth coach who has also coached in Hong Kong as well as Australia, says he has a lot of ideas he wants to implement in Australia’s youth system but wants to share them with the Socceroos boss before revealing more.
He feels he has a similar football philosophy to Postecoglou which he hopes will make the transition to his new role as seamless as possible.
“I think it’s the same, very close. I’m a coach that sometimes prefer to play well than to win,” Gombau said.
“I think Ange has found the right balance to play good football and also be competitive.
“I like this kind of football, the only way that I know how to play is to try to have the ball, try to play offensive football, to try and be the owners of the game and to try and make it enjoyable for the people that come to watch.
“I also want try to improve the players for their careers and make the step to the Socceroos.”