Pim Verbeek to quit as Socceroo coach

Football Federation Australian (FFA) has announced that Qantas Socceroos Head Coach Pim Verbeek is quitting the position.

Speaking today, Verbeek said the decision to not continue on as the Qantas Socceroos Head Coach after the 2010 FIFA World Cup was a very difficult one to make.

"It has been a very difficult decision for me after more than two years but it is time for me to look for a new challenge," said Verbeek.

"I have enjoyed every minute of being head coach of Australia and we achieved some fantastic results including qualifying for the World Cup and the Asian Cup.

"It is a good time to make this announcement so we can now focus completely on preparing everything perfectly for the upcoming World Cup in South Africa.

"We will do everything right to prepare for this tournament to get the best result possible,” concluded Verbeek.

FFA Chairman, Mr Frank Lowy AC, congratulated Verbeek on his achievements during his time as the Head Coach of the Qantas Socceroos.

“Pim has been a great coach for the Qantas Socceroos and has earned the respect of everybody in football in this country and around the world," Mr Lowy said.

"He has been the consummate professional in every aspect of his role and has led our national team with distinction here and overseas.

"Under his leadership the team has achieved everything we aimed to achieve and I expect he will have the team ready to perform at its best in South Africa,” concluded Mr Lowy.

FFA CEO Ben Buckley echoed the sentiments of Mr Lowy and also thanked Verbeek for his efforts working with the Qantas Socceroos and to the football coaching fraternity in Australia.

"Pim has done a great job leading the Qantas Socceroos and has achieved the best results possible," said Buckley.

"He has been the most committed coach to Australia and has clearly enjoyed working with us and our team.

"We will be sad to see him move on after the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and wish him all the best for the future and he can be proud of what he has achieved."

"There are processes and planning in place to secure a successor for Pim and we will step up those activities now that it is clear that Pim will not be with us after South Africa,” concluded Buckley.

Since being appointed as the Qantas Socceroos Head Coach on the 6th of December 2007, Pim Verbeek has been in charge for 27 matches, winning 15, drawing 8 and losing only 4 whilst his team scored 34 and conceded 14 goals in the process. A big supporter of youth talent, Verbeek gave senior international debuts to 33 players, including Scott Jamieson, Bruce Djite and Tom Oar, during his tenure.

Verbeek was also in charge when the Qantas Socceroos reached their highest ever position of 14th in the FIFA World Rankings in September 2009.