Troussier firms after Sydney talks

Frenchman Philippe Troussier is closing in on the vacant Socceroos job after flying to Sydney for secret talks with Football Federation Australia chairman Frank Lowy and chief executive Ben Buckley.

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The 52-year-old, who led Japan to the last 16 at the 2002 World Cup, held extensive discussions with the pair on Tuesday and he has been asked to provide more information on his requirements as negotiations continue.

Speaking from his family home back in Morocco, wife Dominique revealed the extent of his desire to return to the minefield of coaching after a two-year sabbatical from the game.

''Of course he's very interested in the Australian job,’’ she said. ‘’He wouldn't have flown 22 hours to Australia if he wasn't.’’

''Australia would be another great challenge for him. He’s very familiar with Asia after his work with Japan and then Qatar. So this could be good for him.’’

Troussier, whose legal team opened discussions with the FFA last week, has agreed to spend the bulk of his time in Australia were he to land the job.

It’s possible he could stay in Australia on a fact-finding mission and to watch the Sydney FC v Newcastle Jets A-League game on Friday night, with his wife adding: ‘’He may be there just a few days – or the whole week. I am not sure.’’

While Troussier appears to be the front-runner, Dutchman Pim Verbeek - the preferred choice of FFA technical director Rob Baan - has the full backing of none other than former Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink in his quest to fill the seat left empty by turncoat Dick Advocaat.

The former Korea Republic coach, who worked under Hiddink and Advocaat during two World Cup campaigns for Korea – is, according to Hiddink, ‘’an ideal man’’ for the role.

Speaking exclusively to TWG, Hiddink said: ‘’Of course I know Pim very well. I brought him to Korea as my number two for the 2002 World Cup (where the co-hosts reached the semi-finals).’’

‘’He went on to work with Dick Advocaat and then he took Korea to the final four at the Asian Cup (in July).’’

‘’He’s an intelligent guy, he knows the region very well. He’s hard working and loyal and I think he could work well with Australia’s European based players and also the A-League players. ’’

‘’The team are playing in a Dutch way since I left (under Graham Arnold and now, for one match at least, Baan).’’

‘’So, Pim could continue with that method, which seems very much to suit the players.’’

Verbeek, who has an offer from Iran on the table, may also be on his way to Australia for talks. Though that could not be confirmed on Tuesday night.

Hiddink, meanwhile, was at pains to point out that he has no sway in the FFA’s decision.

‘’It’s not for me to say what they should do but if you ask me, then that’s my reaction,’’ he added.

‘’I’m sure they will come to a good decision either way.’’

Currently holidaying in Italy after guiding Russia to Euro 2008, Hiddink also confirmed he is just days away from ratifying a two-year contract extension.

‘’There are just a couple of little details to fix but there will be no disturbances and the contract will be finalised,’’ he revealed.

Meanwhile, Troussier, who last worked with Morocco, almost became the new coach of Benin last month before negotiations stalled over the length of his contract with the African nation.

Their loss could be Australia's gain with Buckley determined to have a coach in place before Christmas.

Troussier is revered in Japan after fashioning their national team into among the most powerful in the region, at all age levels, during his four-year stay.

But he is just as big a fish in Africa where he is known as the 'white witch doctor' after successful spells with Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Burkina Faso and South Africa, whom he led at France 98.

Multi-lingual and multi-faceted, he and wife Dominique have converted to Islam. He now calls himself Omar.

The Socceroos players might soon be just be calling him "boss".

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