Postecoglou plans Socceroos exit

Ange Postecoglou has revealed he will step down from his role as Socceroos coach after the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou Source: AAP

Postecouglou's revelation came during an interview with Les Murray at the Australia Football Institute gala dinner in Sydney on Wednesday night. 

Murray, who hosted the event, confirmed Postecoglou's comments on Thursday.

"I asked Ange (Postecoglou) how long he sees himself doing the Socceroos job and he replied hopefully for the next 12 months," Murray told The World Game. 

"He said after the World Cup it was time to move on."

It is not the first time Postecoglou has hinted at plans to move on from the role of national team manager with the former Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory coach making similar comments to The World Game in December. 

"My responsibilities at the moment lie with the national team but I have stated that at some point I’ll move on and hopefully after a successful World Cup campaign and my next move will be abroad somewhere," Postecoglou said. 

In 2013 Football Federation Australia handed Postecoglou a five year contract, which is due to expire after the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The Socceroos have a record of 17 wins, seven draws and 12 losses in 36 matches under his guidance, but eight of those losses came in 2014 and the team has only lost four times since.

It could be a busy final year in the job for Postecoglou with the Socceroos locked in a battle for World Cup qualification, a clash with Brazil at the MCG in June as well as Australia's participation in the Confederations Cup. 

Murray said Postecoglou didn't hold back during the 45 minute on-stage interview and also touched on a range of contentious topics in Australian football

"Ange was very candid and shared his views on everything from A-league expansion and salary caps to the Socceroos chances of qualifying for the World Cup," Murray said

"He said he was very confident ahead of the final stage of qualification and that Australia would qualify comfortably."