FORMER Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink has said he was forced to take on the role of flab fighter before he could plot Australia's path to the 2006 World Cup.
The Russia coach succeeded in taking the Socceroos to their first World Cup in 32 years but only after knocking his squad into shape.
Hiddink told The Sun in the UK: "Most played in England and were not well prepared.
"I had to cancel friendlies and put the team into heavy physical work sessions.
"I told them 'When I see you in four weeks I expect you to lose weight'.
"Mark Viduka lost 8lb. It seemed to be impossible they could come from mid-season so overweight."
Hiddink told The Sun in the UK: "Most played in England and were not well prepared.
"I had to cancel friendlies and put the team into heavy physical work sessions.
"I told them 'When I see you in four weeks I expect you to lose weight'.
"Mark Viduka lost 8lb. It seemed to be impossible they could come from mid-season so overweight."
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