The Serve

Fill-in Baan rules himself out of Socceroos job

Stand-in Socceroos manager Rob Baan has ruled himself of the running for the job full-time in the wake of Dick Advocaat’s sudden withdrawl from the post.

“No I don’t think so,” Baan said on the eve of Australia’s friendly with Nigeria in London.

 

“I’m too busy with my technical work.”

 

Advocaat had reportedly signed a contract with the Football Federation in August, however it’s believed an exorbitant offer from Russian club Zenit, where he is currently coaching, has tempted him away from the Socceroos.

 

Dutchman Baan was recently appointed technical director of Australian football, a newly formed position. His one and only game in charge of the national team will be a tough assignment, given Nigeria is 19th in the FIFA world rankings. Baan was outwardly disappointed to be missing attacker Tim Cahill, who was ruled out by his club English club Everton with a foot injury.

 

“I was a little surprised that Cahill didn’t inform us in time,” Baan said.

 

“In the balance in my selection, I can solve that, with Nicky Carle.”