Pim's in Charge

So Pim Verbeek has got the nod, and will be in charge of the Socceroos for the start of the World Cup qualifiers. Fair play to the FFA for getting the matter sorted pretty swiftly following the Advocaat debacle. And I hope for their sake that they have the right man.

The last 48 hours has seen a drag race for the job between Verbeek and the former Japan coach Philippe Troussier. The Frenchman appeared to have the inside running after travelling to Sydney and interviewing extensively. But it appears that the influence of Rob Baan, and the desire to continue with the Dutch philosophy has got Verbeek across the line. Troussier was the stronger candidate, but may have frightened off the FFA with his demands for total control of the players from A-League upwards. And of course, he’s not Dutch.

There’s no doubt that Verbeek’s record as a coach is very good, with extensive spells at club and national level, in Europe and Asia. The worry comes when you examine his credentials in the very top job. He took Korea to 3rd place in the Asian Cup courtesy of two penalty shoot outs, and the Reds struggled throughout. And his club career doesn’t stand up to much scrutiny, with a disasterous spell at Feyenoord in the early 90’s standing out. Since then he’s been a serial assistant; successfully with Korean Guus in 2002, and less so with Advocaat’s pale imitation in 2006, before taking the head coach role with The Reds in 2007.

There will be no “getting to know you” period for the new man. Qualifying is in less than 2 months. Verbeek will have to get to know the A-League and it’s players very quickly, and will rely heavily on his assistant Graham Arnold for local knowledge, presuming Arnie retains his position as assistant to a man who was his peer just a few months ago.

The FFA have rolled the dice. Now we have to wait to see if our number comes up.