The Australian boss has come under fire from some sections of the football community with his move away from a 4-3-3 formation. The Socceroos have used a three-man defence in every game since their World Cup qualifier against Iraq in Tehran in March.

But Postecoglou is pleased that tactics are being openly talked about.

"I’m absolutely over the moon that there’s debate," he told the press in St Petersburg.

"It’s exactly what I want. And it’s good to see the debate’s not just the usual empty vessels, there’s some new voices that have strong opinons, both for and against what I’m doing. But that’s exactly what we need.

"If we’re going to grow as a nation and really find our identity it’s going to come with vigorous debate and if that’s happening, and it looks like it is happening, that’s a massive positive for our game."

The Socceroos, who are preparing for Friday morning's (AEST) Confederations Cup match in Russia, have been criticised for their recent performances against Germany and Brazil. The green and gold lost both to Die Mannschaft and the Selecao.

But Postecoglou said he is used to criticism.

"In terms of the critics, they were there 20 years ago and they’ll be there in 20 years time I reckon," he said. "So we move on."
 

Will Hrustic, Irvine, McGowan or Jeggo play?

Australia face Cameroon and Chile in their next two Group B games. Postecoglou disagrees with the notion that the African champions will be an easier opponent than Germany or La Roja.

"I don’t see any game as more winnable than any other," the former Brisbane Roar boss said.

"If you start thinking in those terms you may miss an opportunity along the way.

"We saw it as a tough group, all three opponents we have are champions of their confederations so they’re here for a reason and they’re good sides.

"I don’t think the Cameroon game is going to be any easier and we’re certainly not going to approach it as an any easier game than the first one or the third one."