Ange: How I would improve the A-League

Michael Huguenin

Ange: How I would improve the A-League image

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou has claimed he would get rid of the A-League's salary cap if he was in charge of Australia's top division.

MORE: Postecoglou fires back at critics after Socceroos break drought

Postecoglou argued the salary cap, which restricts A-League clubs to spend $2.7million per season plus any marquee players on top of that figure, forces young Australian players abroad too early and limits the quality of imports in the competition.

Speaking to SEN 1116 on Thursday, Postecoglou accepted his thinking might be "radical" but insisted it would help Australian clubs reach their ultimate potential.

"Get rid of the salary cap. I want teams who aspire to be the best to be the best," he said.

"It's pretty radical and goes against everything we've understood about sport in Australia and [the A-League] has obviously borrowed from Aussie Rules and rugby league, but in our game I've seen just so many of our good young players go overseas at the wrong time because we can't keep them here.

"I've seen too many good players who want to come here and not be able to because of constraints of the cap."

In July, former Wellington Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick declared "I just don't know why we bother with a salary cap, I think we've grown up, it's been 10 years now, let's just get on with it", while ex-Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Bosnich is also a vocal critic of the system.

Postecoglou previously coached in the A-League with Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory.

Having fired up following Australia's 2-0 win over United Arab Emirates on Tuesday regarding criticism of the Socceroos' new 3-2-4-1 formation, Postecoglou reiterated his desire for tactical debates but insisted critics wouldn't be allowed free shots at him.

"I love debate, but when I say debate, it means it goes both ways. If you question the coach, you've got to expect a response," he said.

"I'm not saying I want people to debate it and I've got to sit there and accept what they say, I think it goes both ways and that's the stimulating bit. You get differences of opinion and I'm not going to be happy with some of the questions and they're not going to be happy with some of the answers.

"It doesn't bother me. I think it's a good thing. That's exactly what we want but I think people get a bit sensitive because I don't agree with their views but I actually like the fact that they've actually got an opinion."

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Michael Huguenin