Football
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Postecoglou must commit to Australia amid Shanghai Shenhua links - Slater

Speculation Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou is set to attract a big-money offer from a Chinese club has sparked a call for loyalty.

Former Australia international Robbie Slater urged Postecoglou to see out the World Cup campaign despite reports Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai Shenhua is set to offer him a AU$3.8 million deal.

"No, you don't go there [China]. You're national coach, you stay until it's done," Slater told Sky Sports Radio on Tuesday.

"It's big money. If you're that good, you'll get another offer.

"We're talking about our country and a commitment and you make all the statements you have, then you stay.

"Maybe he will stay, but if you are going to go, tell us. Be honest. That's the only thing I'm accusing him of -- not giving the finality of whatever decision has been made."

The cloud over Postecoglou's future hangs as Football Federation Australia boss David Gallop failed to end speculation at a media conference on Monday.

Reports surfaced following the last World Cup qualification game against Syria that Postecoglou would quit after next month's playoff matches against Honduras.

It's understood Postecoglou has set his sights on coaching at European club level amid reports he has grown tired of perceivably incessant criticism of his tactics by the Australian media.

Shenhua may not be the most attractive option considering its tough history with coaches, with former Premier League manager Gus Poyet quitting his position in September.

Poyet was the club's 15th head coach in the past 10 years.

Retired star A-League striker Joel Griffiths, who played at Shenhua in 2012, warned any possible stint for Postecoglou in the CSL could be short.

"[Chinese players] have a different mentality. You have to make them believe in your system to get the best out of them," Griffiths, who now works in the football department of former club Newcastle Jets, told AAP.

"It's not as easy as just going in there and doing tactics. There's other layers around it."

But Griffiths backed Postecoglou to blaze a trail for more Australians coaching in China should he choose to make the move.

"Ange has been successful wherever he's gone. His record speaks for itself. He's the best coach in Australia by a country mile," he said.

"If he does it right, he'll be okay.

"But it can be a short time if he doesn't. I've seen how quickly the dressing shed can shift. You have to keep control of the Chinese boys, particularly the leadership.

"It's a challenge, but if he can get the right people around him, I think he'll be fine."

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