THERE is no doubt Holger Osieck is under pressure from his FFA employers.

But what if the Socceroos grind out a decent result away to France on October 12 and/or Canada a few days later?



It’s unfair to judge Osieck on one game, but 37 months is ample time to assess his total contribution.



And we’ve seen enough — it’s time for FFA to thank him for his services and write out a compensation cheque.



An expensive decision it is, but retaining him may prove more costly.



With the Socceroos looking for a naming rights partner, what do potential sponsors make of this month’s 6-0 Brazil debacle?



And how many of the 130,000 tickets will FFA sell for the pair of Socceroos home friendlies?



What about the 2015 Asian Cup on home soil?



Osieck won brownie points in June but used them all up against Brazil.



The euphoria of qualification and ‘super sub’ Josh Kennedy’s header masked the sub-standard performances since the 2011 Asian Cup and the Brazil game was more symbolic of his tenure.



No halftime subs despite being 3-0 down, then finally making the first change after an hour at 4-0, sending on Archie Thompson, age 34.



Osieck said he would use all six substitutions yet made just four.



With the pressure of qualification out of the way Osieck had a chance to introduce a plan and new ideas, but it was a carbon copy of the previous three years.



It shouldn’t have come as a shock though. The Sunday Herald Sun understands:



TRAINING sessions in Brazil were predictable and the intensity, as usual, poor;



THE tactical preparation was average — as is customary the players are given basic opposition intelligence but no solutions to counter them;



HE struggles to man-manage the variety of personalities in the changeroom.



Brazil is a big concern but even bigger is the 2015 Asian Cup.



Osieck was right when he said that our younger generation is not as talented as some think, but it doesn’t excuse him for throwing them in the `too hard’ basket.



And regeneration extends to coaching.



Upon Osieck’s appointment, FFA chairman Frank Lowy said he wanted the next coach to be Australian and the new coach would play a key role in "educating".



In 2013 there are only three genuine local candidates — Ange Postecoglou, Tony Popovic and Graham Arnold.



Damningly, Osieck’s deputy Aurelio Vidmar was the leading candidate then but appears to have stagnated, while it’s safe to say Robbie Hooker — the German’s appointment — won’t be troubling the scorers.



So who should replace him?

ANYONE WANT A FREE TICKET TO BRAZIL?

FFA’s replacement options for Holger Osieck should he be axed

OPTION 1 – THE FREE AGENTS

The easiest, safest but most expensive option _ an experienced and/or high profile coach currently unemployed who would cost upwards of $2m a year but generate excitement among fans and corporates.

Guus Hiddink (Anzhi Makhachkala)

Marcelo Bielsa (Athletic Bilbao)

Roberto Di Matteo (Chelsea)

Roberto Mancini (Man City)

Gus Poyet (Brighton)

Frank Rijkaard (Saudi Arabia)

Bert van Marwijk (Holland)

* All available. Their last job in brackets

OPTION 2 – THE YOUNG GUNS

A young but ambitious overseas coach. While Australia is an unlikely destination, FFA can dangle the carrot of two major tournaments in eight months. They still wouldn’t be cheap, likely to ask for over $1m a year.

Vitor Pereira (Al Ahli)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Molde)

Cesar Farias (Venezuela)

Hansi Flick (Germany assistant)

Gary Neville (England assistant)

* Current job in brackets

OPTION 3 – THE LOCALS

There are three standout local coaches and it’s no coincidence their teams occupy the top three A-League spots. All offer something different but are better equipped than any previous Aussie to lead the Socceroos.

Ange Postecoglou (Victory)

Tony Popovic (Wanderers)

Graham Arnold (Mariners)

* Current job in brackets

Guus Hiddink and Marcelo Bielsa types are the safest but most expensive options.



Postecoglou, Popovic and Arnold are the most qualified Aussie candidates ever and they’ll only improve, but taking them away from their clubs right now could rock the A-League boat.



But a young and hungry overseas coach appears the best bet.



FFA should set itself the challenge of unearthing the next Gerardo Martino, Brendan Rodgers, Jurgen Klopp or Andre Villas-Boas.



With a World Cup and a continental tournament on home soil in the space of eight months, FFA has a golden carrot to dangle if it wants to.

Originally published as Why Holger has to go