Bert van Marwijk admitted Australiaās āsporting cultureā was one of the key factors behind his decision to take on the role as the new Caltex Socceroos coach.
Van Marwijk, 65, was last week announced as Australiaās Head Coach for Juneās tournament, taking over from Ange Postecoglou. Ā
The Dutchman flew into Sydney from Holland on Thursday and immediately addressed a large media contingent at FFA headquarters.Ā
And the Dutchman believes his experience with Australian players during his time with Holland and Saudi Arabia was a key factor behind his decision to take up the role with the Socceroos.Ā
āWe played with Saudi Arabia, as I was the coach there, two times against Australia,ā van Marwijk told reporters on Thursday. Ā Ā
āI was here, as I was the coach of the national team of Holland, also played here against Australia.
āIn Holland we also played against Australia. We lost in Eindhoven I can remember.
āThe mentality of Australia is special. The sports culture is special. And Iād like to go to the World Championship. I think thatās a good combination.ā
Van Marwijk insists Australia will be competitive at the World Cup and is targeting a second round appearance in Russia. Ā
āI go the World Cup with the only thing that counts and itās to survive the first round,ā van Marwijk said.
āNo one has to tell me thatās difficult because our opponents are good countries.
āBut for me thereās only one thing that counts and thatās the first game.ā
While acknowledging his preference for attractive football, van Marwijk said he will adopt a style which will bring the best out of the Australian squad.
āIām a realistic coach. I like creative football. I like to have the ball. But I also like to win. Thatās the most important thing,ā he said.
āI think itās important to play in a way that fits the players. And also the coach. You cannot play in a way that the players cannot do.
āAnd when they donāt like to play in a way you want to play then you make a mistake I think.
āItās important for me as soon as possible to get to know the players and their qualities.
āI knowĀ a lot of players, we played against you two times in the past year and we [did] a lot of analysis of the players. But I have to learn them better.ā –Ā www.myfootball.com.au