Australia youth team coach Ange Postecoglou has complained that A-League clubs should give more playing opportunities to young Australians instead of signing experienced veterans to achieve short-term goals. Postecoglu’s statement comes as the squad prepares to leave for India for the AFC Youth Championship which takes place from 29 October to 12 November.
“There are at least five or six players in this squad who would make an impact (on the A-League)," said Postecoglou, who has five youth players in his squad who play for A-League clubs. “I'm not asking A-League clubs to be a charity... I genuinely think these young players would be an asset to the clubs and the competition. I think it's important to get these kids into the A-League as early as possible - before they look overseas to get their start.”
Australia are in Group B alongside China, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates and need to finish in the top two of the group to qualify for the knock-out rounds, AFCMedia reported.
“There are at least five or six players in this squad who would make an impact (on the A-League)," said Postecoglou, who has five youth players in his squad who play for A-League clubs. “I'm not asking A-League clubs to be a charity... I genuinely think these young players would be an asset to the clubs and the competition. I think it's important to get these kids into the A-League as early as possible - before they look overseas to get their start.”
Australia are in Group B alongside China, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates and need to finish in the top two of the group to qualify for the knock-out rounds, AFCMedia reported.