Australia deny player split

FFA CEO Ben Buckley has described rumours of division in the Socceroos camp as insulting the professionalism of the players.

Buckley held a media conference to categorically deny there are any issues between a group of senior players and coach Pim Verbeek and also denied that any player had spoken to him about Verbeek since the 4-0 drubbing by Germany in Durban on Sunday . "I think it's actually insulting to the professionalism of the players that there is speculation on speculation," Buckley declared.

"All we're aware of is that there was one rumour on a radio station in Melbourne which suggested that. Frankly speaking, I think it's disrespectful to the players. In no way is there any form of disunity."

Australia's World Cup hopes hang by a thread after a disastrous opening game, meaning it must win its two remaining Group games against Ghana and Serbia to progress.

Buckley said that the players are solely focussed on achieving the desired result against Ghana on Saturday and are not caught up in any form of dispute with Verbeek, who was widely criticised for his tactical and selection decisions against Germany.

"The players are absolutely focussed on this weekend's result. We are in the middle of a tournament. We know what's ahead of us, the players know that and they are absolutely focussed on it," he said. "I don't comment on coach's tactics or selection it's not my role, it's not my responsibility. What I can say is that the team are 100 per cent focussed on this weekend's match."

It is not the first time that there have been rumours of a division inSocceroos camp, with suggestions that there were a rift between then coach Graham Arnold and the players during the 2007 Asian Cup.

Buckley said FFA was completely committed to Verbeek, despite the Dutchman's decision to step down from the role after the World Cup.

"Clearly we are all somewhat disappointed, but as I said there are two games to go. The team is extremely focussed and that's what we should be doing," he said. "We have utmost confidence in Pim and his staff. We've got a match this Saturday night and I'm sure everyone will see a very focussed team."

"Pim has been outstanding in his time in football in Australia." Buckley described suggestions that Verbeek should quit after the Durban debacle as nonsense.