FORMER ENGLAND Sven-Goran Eriksson believes he could be the man to take Australia to the World Cup, declaring the role a “big job” that he would be interested in.
There has been no shortage of candidates to fill the position since Ange Postecoglou’s departure following qualification, with ex-German and US coach Jurgen Klinsmann and recently sacked Serbia manager Slavoljub Muslin being linked to the post in the past few days.
Eriksson, who has been unattached since being fired by Chinese club Shenzhen in June, is the latest to put his hand up, saying coaching at the World Cup is the “greatest thing you can do”.
He also revealed he has taken an interest in the Socceroos performances and admitted he was shocked that Postecoglou resigned after booking the green-and-gold a spot in Russia.
“Yes of course I’m interested. It’s a big job, a big football country, you’re playing in the World Cup - again. You more or less always play in the World Cup,’’ Eriksson told the Herald Sun.
“I have watched some Australian games and I watched the games against Honduras, the last games.
“It was a surprise that (Postecoglou) resigned, I was surprised because he (qualified) them to the World Cup. But that’s life.
“The World Cup is the biggest party in football and it’s a party for the world, it’s incredible. It goes for a month and there is a huge amount of interest.
“It’s the greatest thing you can do and it’s beautiful.”
If Eriksson takes the Australian reins, it will be his fourth appearance at the World Cup finals – having coached England to quarter-final appearances in 2002 and 2006 before failing to qualify with Ivory Coast in 2010.
The 69-year-old said that while France were likely to progress to knockouts as top of group C, there was no reason why Australia couldn’t qualify for the round-of-16 ahead of Peru and Denmark.
“France are big favourites in the group, but I think it will be a fight for second place between Australia, Peru and Denmark. I think the chances for Australia (to advance) are good.
“The whole world would say France is favourite to win that group, but second I think it’s very tight. Any team there can beat anyone, it’s very open. Why not Australia?”
Football Federation Australia has stated they will appoint a national team coach by mid-February next year – one month before the Socceroos next match during the March international window.
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