The former Socceroos boss ensured Australia's qualification for the Russian showpiece but controversially stood down before the tournament, forcing FFA to appoint Bert van Marwijk as his replacement.

There has been a noticeable tactical shift as the Dutchman attempts to stamp his authority over the Australian side, with uncertain futures for Postecoglou favourite Tim Cahill and young-gun Daniel Arzani.

But the shift in focus hasn't stopped Postecoglou attempting a little influence of his own.

“You take them both,” Postecoglou SEN radio. “There shouldn’t be a debate about Arzani ... we have very few players like Daniel Arzani.

“With what he’s shown so far and the potential that he has, whether he kicks on from here or not is up to the kid himself.

“To not give him that experience, that exposure, for Australian football when we have so few like him, it’s an opportunity missed.” 

Postecoglou established a firm reputation during his tenure for refreshing an ageing national side and giving opportunities to up-and-coming Australians. 

But throughout the regeneration process, the Socceroos boss suffered from the same lack of consistent goal-scorers - excluding 38-year-old Cahill - that now seem to plague van Marwijk's side entering Russia.

“There still isn’t a lot of goal-scoring threats there. Tomi Juric hasn’t played a lot in recent times so you have to take (Cahill)," Postecoglou said.

“Timmy is always the one that I had (as a) kind of ‘break the glass if needed’ and I don’t think that’s changed."