He was integral to the 2015 AFC Asian Cup win and Tim Cahill sees parallels between the preparation for that triumph and the Caltex Socceroos’ current position.
Australia won only one match in the year prior to its first major international success and faces a similar challenge now in FIFA World Cup qualifying.
Caltex Socceroos: Group B results and ladder
Despite needing a win to keep pace with the group leaders, the Caltex Socceroos’ all-time leading goalscorer is “quite calm” about Tuesday’s clash with the UAE in Sydney.
“Being in camp and being around Ange and the boys it’s all about me making sure we stay grounded and see the bigger process of what we’re trying to do,” Cahill said.
“Leading into the Asian Cup I think everyone was worried and thought we had no chance, and we ended up lifting the trophy.
“When Ange said we would lift it six months prior I know it was hard for people to believe, but me, Mile [Jedinak], Millsy [Mark Milligan], Bresc [Mark Bresciano], we didn’t bat an eyelid.
“I don’t think I’ll be flinching much now.”
THE BIG PICTURE
With the FIFA Confederations Cup just months away, and potentially another World Cup appearance on the horizon, Cahill is fully behind Ange Postecoglou’s ambitious plans.
“I’m a strong advocate of the implementation of Ange’s structure,” the 95-cap veteran said.
“I totally agree that [we] don’t just want to get to a World Cup. You don’t want to be a passenger.
“Whether I’m here or not, I truly believe the game is changing for the better under his reign.”
The Caltex Socceroos tackle UAE in a crucial World Cup Qualifier in Sydney on March 28. Click here for tickets