Socceroos Osieck denies controversial comment was 'sexist'

SOCCEROOS coach Holger Osieck bristled at any suggestions yesterday that an off-handed comment on Tuesday night was a sexist one.

Speaking after his team's 4-0 victory over Jordan at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Osieck quoted something in Latin to a reporter, before he was heard saying:

"It means women should shut up in public."

But when pressed on whether the remark, which Osieck thought was off the record, was sexist, he responded:

"Of course not. It was more meant as a joke to the journalist who asked me. No serious approach."

Meanwhile, Osieck said he would most likely stick with the same 11 that drew 1-all with Japan, and beat Jordan, for the must-win World Cup qualifier against Iraq in Sydney next Tuesday.

"I always had to shift (in past qualifiers). I always had to introduce other players because of injury, because of lack of form, because of suspension," he said.

"There was always a matter of changes and right now I'm in the very fortunate position that I don't have to worry about that."