The legendary goalkeeper says several of coach Ange Postecoglou's squad have been shell-shocked by reports of his imminent departure.

Yet he believes there's still time for the Socceroos to steady the ship and qualify for the World Cup next year.

The veteran custodian hung up his gloves last year after a championship-winning stint at Premier League underdogs Leicester City, remaining in England as a commentator.

After six World Cup qualifying campaigns, the 45-year-old is still a most interested and supportive Socceroos observer.

But he's disappointed at Australia's "stuttering" efforts to reach Russia and believes they've been hindered by Postecoglou's exit talk.

"I don't think it will have a galvanising effect on the team and that's one thing that concerns me," Schwarzer said.

"At this particular time, that's not what we need. We need the full focus and attention to be on the team."

Schwarzer believes the next and necessary step is for Postecoglou to address the rumours with his playing group so they can get on with the job.

"I've spoken to a few of the players from the national team and they were completely shocked to hear the news," he said.

"It's their first experience at this level, in this type of environment, which the manager doesn't have either.

"It's going to need everybody to be on board and fully focused without distractions. Its an incredibly high-pressure, tense environment.

"I'm sure when they get into camp it will be addressed first thing. They'll put it to one side and they'll get on with the job."

Schwarzer believes, as Postecoglou does, a successful fortnight will take the Socceroos class of 2017 to the next level.

"The style of football they're playing, the results, the performances in the Asian Cup, winning the tournament, it was amazing," he said.

"The team (was supposed) to really progress and push on to the next level. That hasn't been the case.

"We've kind of stuttered along. It has been a bit of a disappointment but the positive is that we're still in it. We're still in with a chance.

"If we qualify and get over this incredibly difficult hurdle, we can grow and go onto that next level.

"They'll do it naturally because of the euphoria and the experience."