Bert van Marwijk admitted Australiaā€™s ā€˜sporting 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 Australiaā€™s Head Coach for Juneā€™s 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 

ā€œWe played with Saudi Arabia, as I was the coach there, two times against Australia,ā€ van Marwijk told reporters on Thursday. Ā Ā 

ā€œI was here, as I was the coach of the national team of Holland, also played here against Australia.

ā€œIn Holland we also played against Australia. We lost in Eindhoven I can remember.

ā€œThe mentality of Australia is special. The sports culture is special. And Iā€™d like to go to the World Championship. I think thatā€™s 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 

ā€œI go the World Cup with the only thing that counts and itā€™s to survive the first round,ā€ van Marwijk said.

ā€œNo one has to tell me thatā€™s difficult because our opponents are good countries.

ā€œBut for me thereā€™s only one thing that counts and thatā€™s 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.

ā€œIā€™m a realistic coach. I like creative football. I like to have the ball. But I also like to win. Thatā€™s the most important thing,ā€ he said.

ā€œI think itā€™s 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.

ā€œAnd when they donā€™t like to play in a way you want to play then you make a mistake I think.

ā€œItā€™s important for me as soon as possible to get to know the players and their qualities.

ā€œI 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

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