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Oman’s campaign so far has been underwhelming with just one point from their first two World Cup qualifiers.

A 0-0 draw with the Saudis and a 3-0 capitulation in Bangkok against a rampant Thailand has left the Gulf Sultanate in desperate need of points from tonight’s clash.

In contrast the Socceroos have six points from their two games and have scored ten times in their last three matches after defeating Malaysia 5-0 in a friendly last Friday.

Le Guen pinpoints the holy month of Ramadan as one of the main reasons why the 2009 Gulf Cup winners have had a sluggish start to this campaign.

But arriving in Sydney on Thursday the team have enjoyed a low-key build up which has allowed Le Guen time to instil desire and defensive organization into "Al Ahmar".

He hoped this can help blunt a Socceroo side he admitted was clearly a class above.

“In Thailand we had a poor game, we were rubbish. I think we have to take a revenge,” Le Guen said.

“I know that the Australian team is better than us. I know that. I’m not a dreamer, I’m not a newcomer.

“But I want us to be well-organised, and work hard and get a good fighting spirit. It’s the basic of football and it’s what I expect of my team tomorrow.”

The former Lyon, Glasgow Rangers and Cameroon coach got his point across to the players in a passionate speech before Oman’s final training session at ANZ Stadium on Monday night.

However his words were translated from English into Arabic by one of his assistants but his desire for a performance may have been lost in translation.

“After the Thailand game I was aware it was the end of Ramadan. The players were a bit tired and a bit difficult to work during this period," he added. 

“But I feel now the players are fitter and in a good shape. Probably the Australian team is better than us but at least I want a good behavior.

“I don’t know if it will be enough but I’m more optimistic.”

Le Guen travelled to Canberra to watch the Socceroos stroll past Malaysia in a friendly last Friday. He said the result only confirmed his belief that this was a very strong Australian side.

And while in Australia he’s been impressed by what he’s seen of the A-League. In fact, he said Oman could learn a lot from what the FFA have been doing to reinvigorate the game in Australia.

“They are getting better and better and for us it’s an example because we [Oman] have to build such a league," said Le Guen.

"Here the league is getting better and better. Some experienced players are coming back here and the league is improving and I think really an example for us.

“If you have a good league you have more chances of having a good national team. Here they have made a lot of effort to improve the league.

“In Oman we have to do that too. That’s why I tell you it’s a good example for us.”

Le Guen confirmed he’d been approached by the FFA about the Socceroos coaching job but was diplomatic when asked by au.fourfourtwo.com about the offer.

“I’m not the Socceroos manager," he said. "I wish them all the best. The most important thing is to be honest and correct and  they [FFA] were.

“I was close to signing but perhaps they did the good choice and they have done well for the change [in manager]. All the best for them. Really.”


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