The was once a Golden Generation of Australian players. Now, Australia’s next wave bound for top jobs in European football is in the surging ranks of coaches.
Kevin Muscat
Head coach of Belgian club Sint-Truiden
Muscat, a former Socceroo defender, has done a long coaching apprenticeship in Australia.
After his playing career ended he’d already begun his coaching journey at Melbourne Victory.
Under Postecoglou as an assistant, his philosophy was solidified before taking over when his mentor left for the national team job in 2103.

Muscat has since won multiple trophies with Victory before leaving the club last year after almost 15 years as player and coach.
The former Millwall, Wolves, and Rangers hardman is now the head coach at the Belgian club and like Valkanis, is ideally placed to launch a strong coaching career in European football.
Steve Corica
Head coach of Sydney FC

And he’s continued that success this season, with his Sydney side on top of the A-League before the COVID-19 interruption.
The 47-year-old who played for his nation at all levels could easily move up into a coaching role in European football.
Tony Popovic
Head coach of Perth Glory
The former Crystal Palace captain has already been crowned Asian Coach of the Year after famously winning the Asian Champions League in 2014 (just two years after his club at the time, Western Sydney Wanderers, had been formed).
Popovic has a knack of getting the best out of players, can inspire his group, and is incredibly well prepared.

He has won the league on multiple occasions in Australia (though he has missed out on winning a grand final).
His one European football experience to date (in Turkey) ended prematurely.
That said, his experience in English football and on the international stage coupled with his success in coaching has "Popa" ideally placed for a big European football club one day.
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