Socceroos legend Harry Kewell has endorsed an Australian coach to fill the vacancy of the national team’s head honcho position.
The FFA announced yesterday a shortlist of candidates has been established for the coaching role, with the formal interview process beginning shortly.
It has been reported Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold is the only local product on the six-man shortlist, with international prospects such as Bert van Marwijk and Jurgen Klinsmann apparently favourites.
However, Kewell loves the idea of an Australian coaching Australia, and believes that’s the way the FFA should go.
“For me, I would like to see an Australian coach take it because I like the identity of being Australia,” he told SEN Breakfast.
“I know we have had foreign coaches before and we have succeeded with foreign coaches, but I think it is time to really hone in and give an Australian a chance.
“There is no better way to give an Australian a chance than to lead their country out in a World Cup.
“It would be fantastic for us and it would be a real statement.”
The Crawley Town manager also supported Arnold’s potential appointment, as his stunning run with Sydney continues.
“He is dominating the A-League and he has done that even when he was at Central Coast,” Kewell said.
“He had a bit of a bad spell in Asia but he has come back, taken over at Sydney, and from the reports I get, no one can touch him.
“He is far and beyond, he has the best team, the way he is working, the strategy he has got is far better than anyone else.”
Kewell also reckons Tim Cahill “deserves” a spot in the World Cup squad this year, even though he has yet to find a club team after leaving Melbourne City in December.
Did you miss Harry Kewell’s chat on SEN Breakfast this morning? Take a listen in the player below!