Australia won't 'baby' players about social media use before US clash - coach

Australia's assistant coach Hayden Foxe believes his players possess the maturity to navigate the pressures of social media and external commentary as they prepare for a high-profile World Cup match against co-hosts the United States. Foxe asserted that the team will not shield the players from the noise, stating, "We can't baby them. They're their own selves, we want them to be their own selves."

“

We can't baby them. They're their own selves, we want them to be their own selves.

"Social media's out there, they're aware of media and the comments and what's being said," Foxe told reporters. "But we're concentrated on us. They're old enough and mature enough to understand what gets said and what doesn't get said." The Socceroos are set to face the U.S. in Seattle following victories in their respective Group D openers, with Australia defeating Turkey 2-0 and the U.S. beating Paraguay.

“

Social media's out there, they're aware of media and the comments and what's being said. But we're concentrated on us. They're old enough and mature enough to understand what gets said and what doesn't get said.

Despite some U.S. commentators, like former player Alexi Lalas, dismissing Australia as an "average team," the Australian squad is drawing confidence from their opening win. Attacker Nestory Irankunda mentioned that comments from Turkey's captain had motivated the team. Midfielder Connor Metcalfe added that Australia would approach the U.S. match with "full of energy, full of confidence."

“

It did piss off a few boys, but at the end of the day, these guys can talk all the shit ... we don’t really care.

However, Foxe cautioned against overconfidence, recalling the 2022 World Cup where Saudi Arabia upset eventual champions Argentina but failed to advance from the group stage. "Fantastic win against Turkey. Memorable, great. Enjoy that moment," he said. "Now that's gone. Now we move on to the U.S." Australia, who have never progressed beyond the round of 16, are focused on their next challenge after a dream start.

“

full of energy, full of confidence