Neeskens heads to Barcelona

The FFA confirmed on Saturday that Socceroos Assistant Coach Johan Neeskens has accepted a position with Barcelona FC and, therefore, will not continue in any position with Football Australia after the World Cup.

The FFA confirmed on Saturday that Socceroos Assistant Coach Johan Neeskens has accepted a position with Barcelona FC and, therefore, will not continue in any position with Football Australia after the World Cup.

Johan heads to Barcelona with FFA-s and the team-s best wishes. His input into the national team has been exceptional and he will continue to make a very important contribution throughout the World Cup.

The FFA is privileged to have a coach and football personality of his stature working with Guus Hiddink, Graham Arnold and the team. His quiet and efficient manner and the wealth of his experience and knowledge are greatly appreciated by the players and FFA alike. He is an outstanding person.

The FFA was very keen to negotiate the possible retention of Johan-s services after the World Cup and sought more time to negotiate. However, unfortunately, Johan was under a tight deadline with the Barcelona offer, and was unable to defer this.

The FFA focus is now on the World Cup and the current team-s task. Nevertheless, it will work in earnest towards finalising the coaching arrangements for the Socceroos after the World Cup and will provide the best possible coaching staff within the means available.

Graham Arnold remains under contract with the FFA through until the 2008 Olympic Games. He has done an outstanding job with Guus Hiddink and Johan Neeskens and is well capable of undertaking the coaching responsibilities that the Socceroos as well as the Olympic Team have in the period following the World Cup.

There will be no further comment made on this situation until it is finalised so that FFA, the coaching staff and the players can apply all their attention to the World Cup matches that are at hand.