By Jai Camfield and Adrian Proszenko
Ange Postecoglou has backed the rights of the Socceroos to voice concerns about Qatar’s human rights record before and during the World Cup.
The Celtic manager is in Sydney for the Sydney Super Cup, a series of friendlies that begins with Sydney FC hosting the Scottish champions at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night.
Postecoglou said the Australians face a difficult task to go beyond the group stage after being drawn against first-up opponents France. However, the former Socceroos coach, a recent inductee into Football Australia’s Hall of Fame, said it was an opportunity for Graham Arnold’s men to “upset the big guns”.
“Arnie and all the boys will make the most of it, but we always go there to try and make an impact so let’s see if the boys can make an impact this time,” Postecoglou said.
“You know when you’re going to a World Cup you’re playing against the best nations in the world. We go there and try and upset the big guns, and hopefully, that’s what we do.”
Asked if he thought the Socceroos could progress beyond the group stages, Postecoglou said: “I can see lots of things … but whether that happens or not, that’s why we watch World Cups. I certainly hope so.”
The Socceroos became the first FIFA World Cup side to release a collective statement of protest against Qatar’s human rights record, calling for “effective remedy” for migrant workers and the decriminalisation of same-sex relationships.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said players and managers were under enough pressure to perform without having to answer political questions about the host nation. Postecoglou has no issue with how the Socceroos have conducted themselves.
“As far as I know, we live in a free society where you can express your opinions about things, so I don’t see anything wrong with that,” Postecoglou said.
There is a growing buzz about the impact Garang Kuol could have after he made the Socceroos squad. The teenage star has been a revelation for the Central Coast in the A-League and both Postecoglou and his Celtic assistant, Harry Kewell, believe he could be an X-factor in Qatar.
“I mean, throw him in, that’s why Arnie’s taken him … if you pick someone, you want to use him and hopefully the young kid gets a run.”
Kewell, the youngest player to make his debut for the Socceroos, added: “You can have all the skills in the world, but if you have raw pace and have no fear, that’s something we could bring on.
“Whether that’s at the start, at half-time or in the last 10 minutes, that’s something Graham has at his disposal. I just hope he uses it.”
Kewell admitted it would be a “big ask” for Australia to progress beyond Group D, where they will face France, Denmark and Tunisia
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