Bernd Stange seemingly won’t be missed by Syria after centre-back Ahmad Al Salih insisted the axed coach has been ‘100 per cent’ behind their failings at the Asian Cup so far.
Syria face a crunch match against holders Australia on Tuesday, needing to win to progress to the round of 16 after picking up just one point from two games so far in Group B.
Stange, 70, had been in charge since last January after coming out of retirement but has swiftly been replaced by former Syria left-back Fajr Ibrahim.
“I would blame the previous coach 100 percent. He didn’t have the right plans for us, and you can see the result,” the bearded centre-back told reporters in Al Ain.
“As soon as Fajr arrived at the pitch, we knew his tactics and his plans. We all like him and we all wanted him as head coach.”
German Stange is the second coach to be sacked during the Asian Cup’s group stages after Thailand gave the boot to Milovan Rajevac in response to their 4-1 defeat to India.
“I know the players and they have known me for a long time,” said Ibrahim. “We know each other very well. It was no more than shaking hands and starting the training session.”
Syria and Australia famously met in last year’s World Cup play-offs, with Tim Cahill booking the Socceroos’ flight to Russia thanks to his last-ditch goal that made it 3-2 over the two legs.
Al Salih is not only confident of his side posing a similar challenge again – he expects victory.
“We respect Australia, they are one of the favourites to win the title,” Al Salih added.
“But I’m sure we’re able to beat Australia. We scored at their ground and we can score against them again — even if Australia is probably the best team in Asia.”
Australia need only a draw to reach the last 16 and they are coming off a convincing 3-0 win over Palestine, while Group B surprise package Jordan are already through.
