Captain Lucas Neill has played down any rift within the Australian national team camp. The Galatasaray defender poured cold water over rumours that suggested there was disharmony within the Socceroos squad particularly between head coach Pim Verbeek and a trio of senior players - Harry Kewell, Mark Bresciano and Vince Grella.

Neill said that everything was fine whilst explaining that Verbeek does not have an empowering managerial style as has been reported.

"He trusts us and we trust him," said Neill.

"There's a very good chemistry. He doesn't have an intimidating style.

"He's not big on the fear factor and needing to be the strong boss where his way is the only way.

"He is very open to conversations, which is not always what you get with a manager.

"But he is strong on discipline, and we give him that in return.

"We are lucky to have him and he is lucky to have us."

Grella, who was substituted at half-time in the opening World Cup match, added that Verbeek was a top manager, his comments indicating that there was in fact no divide between coach and player.

"He is probably one of the best (managers) I've had in my career," said Grella.

"He is such a gentleman.

"He demands the best of his players but he does everything he can to put them in the condition to perform at their best.

"It sounds easy but it's not."