 Hiddink has transformed Australia's footballing fortunes |
Australia's players have urged their football federation to sign up a big name manager to build upon the work done by the departing Guus Hiddink. Dutchman Hiddink will take over as Russia manager following the Socceroos' World Cup exit at the hands of Italy.
"Obviously big coaches means big money," said striker Vince Grella.
"Our plan should be straight away for the next World Cup preparation, to take on the positives and some things we could do better."
Everton midfielder Tim Cahill says it does not really matter who is appointed, because the team have made such huge advances under Hiddink that there is no going back anyway.
"Guus has been magical," he said. "He's been unbelievable, he's been the best manager I've ever worked under as a footballer and the most inspirational one.
"But whoever comes in it doesn't matter because all the foundations are there."
Hiddink's assistant Graham Arnold will be interim coach until a new full-time appointment is made, but he will not be contender for the role.
Captain Mark Viduka said it was vital the Federation made the most of the publicity the sport had received in Australia during the tournament.
"It's very important to keep the momentum going so our sport can get the same recognition as the other sports back home," said the Middlesbrough striker.
Before Australia's elimination from the tournament, FFA chief executive John O'Neill said he had already had "some expressions of interest from some fairly big names", with former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier one of the names in the frame.
With several World Cup coaches likely to be out of work after the tournament, O'Neill confirmed there was no shortage of potential applicants.
"We wouldn't have got it a year ago. It's a reflection of the fact we have never been on this stage," he said.
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"We need another Guus Hiddink. What a difference he's made." The FFA want a coach who is prepared to spend six months of the year in Australia during the domestic A-League season, someone who is willing to work on an incentive-based contract and who will also revamp the country's entire coaching system.
Australia are likely to pay the new head coach up to four million Australian dollars (�1.6m) a year and make the contract heavily incentive-based.
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