If Football Australia is serious about taking the next step after this World Cup cycle, Roger Schmidt should be at the top of the shortlist.
Not because he's the biggest name. Not because he's German. But because he's exactly the type of coach Australia has rarely had.
For years we've bounced between two extremes. On one side we've had pragmatists who prioritise structure and organisation. On the other we've had coaches with a very clear football ideology. Schmidt sits comfortably in the middle.
He's tactically flexible.
That's the biggest thing for me.
Against Japan he can press high.
Against Argentina he can defend in a compact mid-block.
Against Saudi Arabia he can dominate possession.
Against Spain he can concede the ball and attack the space.
He isn't married to one formation or one philosophy. His job is simply to find the best way to win.
International football isn't about implementing a club system over 50 games. It's about solving a different tactical problem every three months. Schmidt has shown throughout his career that he can do exactly that.
Then look at his CV.
- Austrian Bundesliga champion.
- Primeira Liga champion with Benfica.
- Domestic cups and Super Cups.
- Champions League experience.
- Managed in Germany, Austria, Netherlands, China and Portugal.
He's won trophies in different countries and under different conditions. That matters.
More importantly, he develops players.
Australia's next cycle isn't about squeezing one last tournament out of veterans. It's about building around players like Circati, Okon-Engstler, Herrington, Beach and the next generation coming through Europe.
Schmidt has consistently improved young players wherever he's gone. That's one of the defining traits of his coaching career.
People often assume he's another "Red Bull" pressing fanatic. I don't think that's a fair assessment anymore.
Early in his career, yes.
But his Benfica side could dominate possession one week, sit deeper in Europe the next and comfortably switch between a back four and back three depending on the opponent. That's exactly the sort of adaptability international football demands.
Finally, ask yourself this:
What is Australia's identity?
We're never going to be Spain.
We're never going to be Uruguay.
We're never going to out-Brazil Brazil.
Our strength has always been adaptability, athleticism, organisation and mentality.
Roger Schmidt doesn't try to make every team play the same way.
He builds around what the squad does well.
That, to me, is what the next Socceroos coach should be.
Not a football philosopher.
Not a defensive specialist.
A problem solver.
Roger Schmidt is one of the best problem solvers available.
