Former Socceroo coach Holger Osieck says Asian Cup hero James Troisi isn’t a starting XI player for the Australian national team.
Speaking with the German FA website (http://www.dfb.de/en/start/) the Duisberg-born 66-year-old offered his assessment of the current Socceroos squad ahead of the two teams’ friendly on Thursday morning (AEDT time) in Kaiserslautern.
Troisi, one of the heroes of the recent Asian Cup success and a rising star at Belgian side Zulte Waragem, was one player Osieck had his doubts about.
“He scored the winning goal in extra time against South Korea in the final of the Asia Cup, although Tomi Juric deserves most of the credit for the goal following his solo-run.
“For me personally, Troisi is not starting XI material. I would go with Tommy Oar,” wrote Osieck.
As for the player who set up that famous goal for Troisi in Sydney, Wanderers’ ACL hero Tomi Juric, Osieck also expressed some doubt.
“A real old-school type central forward. He’s all, athletic and he throws himself about, but he lacks pace and agility. His current club is Western Sydney Wanderers and it remains to be seen if he can establish himself in modern international football.”
The former Canada coach also has concerns over defender Trent Sainsbury, one of the best players for Australia at the recent Asian Cup, and his ability to cut it at international level.
“Another young gun who moved up the ranks following the retirement of players like Lucas Neill and Saša Ognenovski. Is he capable of playing top level international football? We shall wait and see.”
However Osieck was more positive about Matt Leckie, a winger who was on the fringes of the national team during his time in charge.
“He [Leckie] has tremendous pace, is very athletic and will be essential for Australia when playing against a top side like Germany.”
Osieck, who was at the helm as Australia qualified for the Brazil World Cup in mid-2013, was fired by the FFA in late 2013 following two heavy losses to Brazil and France and fierce criticism over the national team’s regeneration.
He was however at the helm when Australia defeated Germany 2-1 four years ago in a friendly also in his homeland.
Osieck coached Australia from 2010 to 2013.
Socceroo Match Details
Germany v Australia
Fritz-Walter-Stadion, Kaiserslautern
Wednesday 25 March 2015
Kick-Off: 8:30pm (CET) (6:30am (AEDT), Thursday 26 March)
Tickets for the Germany v Socceroos match in Kaiserslautern are on sale now from www.dfb.de or https://tickets.dfb.de/online/index.php3?shopid=107&gotoperformance=1849
Match will be broadcast live and exclusive on Fox Sports.
