Lyon coach Gerard Houllier has emerged as a possible target for the Australian Football Federation.
Australia are looking for a new manager to replace Guus Hiddink who steps down from the role after this summer’s World Cup finals.
FFA chairman Frank Lowy is now drawing up a short list of possible candidates and reports in Australia claim Houllier is top of his wanted list.
The former Liverpool chief has just one year to run on his current deal at Lyon and it is not known if he will be offered anything more long-term.
“You know what I think. We are looking for an internationally renowned coach,” Lowy told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“We are making tentative inquiries, and some inquiries have been made of us. I expect at the completion of the World Cup competition we will make an announcement. I would hope so.
“We can’t have a coach who doesn’t come to Australia, because there’s a lot more to the game than just coming here for the competitive matches. He must impart his knowledge, and experience.”
Lowy also confirmed that it was unlikely that current assistant coaches Graham Arnold and Johan Neeskens would replace Hiddink.
“They are a good combination – Graham Arnold has been with the team for a long time, and Neeskens is a well-qualified coach with considerable experience,” added Lowy.
“But we are looking for somebody with international experience to take the Socceroos to a much higher level than they are now.”
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