Nov 23rd, 2017

Nov 23rd, 2017

Australia's two greatest goalkeepers are split over where to look for Ange Postecoglou's replacement as Socceroos coach, with Mark Schwarzer preferring Graham Arnold.

Mark Bosnich, capped 17 times for the Socceroos, wants the FFA to splash the cash for a prominent foreigner.

The former English Premier League stopper believes appointing a local risks causing reputational damage to Australian coaching should the Socceroos get routed at the World Cup.

Bosnich has named experienced managers Jurgen Klinsmann, Sven-Goran Eriksson, Dragan Stojkovic and Laurent Blanc as possible contenders.

"Bert van Marwijk, who actually took Saudi Arabia, who are a very average side, to qualify automatically, he's available as well," Bosnich told Fox Sports.

"My theory behind it is whoever's going to be the manager next year at the World Cup, it will be an uphill battle.

"I do believe if an Australian coach does take that team and they do get beaten and beaten badly, which is a possibility, that will ruin the good work Ange Postecoglou's done over these four years in terms of reputation of Australian coaches.

"I really do believe, right at this moment, the best thing for Australian football is to get a coach from abroad and preferably a big hitter."

Sydney FC's Arnold is favoured to win the role after taking the club to the coveted domestic treble including the A-League title, the FFA Cup and the Premiers' Plate.

Schwarzer, who competed at two World Cups, doubted the FFA could afford a big-name import, but was confident Arnold was best-placed to take up the position.

"Graham Arnold has got that pedigree. He's got a lot of experience with the national team, first and foremost as a player, as an assistant manager, has had time as manager himself," Schwarzer told Melbourne radio 3AW.

"That's some years ago now so he has matured, developed himself as a manager, has had success in Australia.

"Graham Arnold's the best candidate you've got at the moment. Definitely. He's got the experience and (is) one who could do the job."

©AAP2017