Broich hails "trailblazer" Postecoglou

Thomas Broich has paid a glowing tribute to Ange Postecoglou and believes the departing Socceroos coach will be a success wherever he goes next.

Thomas Broich Source: Getty Images

An emotional Postecoglou announced on Wednesday his resignation from the national team, despite guiding Australia to qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia after a gruelling 22-match campaign.

Watching from afar in Germany where he is studying for his coaching badges, retired Brisbane Roar legend Broich admitted it was a "big loss" for the Socceroos.

Postecoglou famously drove five hours across Europe to meet a burnt-out Broich for a coffee in 2010 to try and convince him to move to the Roar - a decision which changed his career, netted him three championship medals and gave the A-League arguably its greatest ever import.

"With Ange nothing surprises me anymore," Broich told AAP.

"He has developed a taste for the road less travelled which naturally leads to places where hardly anyone has ever been before.

"That's why he such a trailblazer."

Broich said there were two things that made Postecoglou a special coach, and both would hold him good stead ahead of an expected move to club coaching in Europe.

"One, he is always cutting edge in terms of the way football is played around the globe," he said.

"Any tactical evolution, rest assured he'll be an early adopter.

"Two, he is prepared to suffer. Where many coaches fold under pressure Ange won't deviate or play it safe against his deepest beliefs.

"That takes an enormous amount of resilience and perseverance.

"It's much easier knowing all the right principles than following through with them.

"But look at the trade off. After the (Socceroos) boys had to do it Ange's way can they be any readier than this?"

Broich is in the early stages of his own coaching career after signing a deal earlier this year with A-League aspirants FC Brisbane City.

The 36-year-old is currently shadowing coaches at one of Germany's many centres of excellence - a prerequisite for applying for the UEFA elite youth coaching licence.