Former Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou believes Australian football is still riven by the problems that influenced his decision to leave the country, but those who can succeed in the tough environment are well placed for global success.

“Sometimes in the most barren ground, mate, the most beautiful things grow and I certainly think that’s the case for football,” the Tottenham manager said at a business lunch in Melbourne ahead of Wednesday’s friendly against Newcastle United at the MCG.

Postecoglou said he still follows the Australian game closely, and A-League games will be on in his office at the Spurs training ground most mornings. But he paused when asked his views on the state of football in his home nation.

“How long have we got?”, he said, to laughter in the room. “I don’t think too much has changed, I think there’s great endeavour to keep improving the game, and there’s obviously some challenges here. They’ve always been there and potentially will always be there.”

Postecoglou has previously criticised the lack of investment football receives in Australia compared to other codes, and has said critics undermined him during his time as Socceroos coach.

The A-Leagues have faced new challenges in recent weeks, including a plan for a reduction in the amount of money clubs will receive from the league operator APL, while separately three Macarthur players were arrested on Friday for alleged betting corruption.

Postecoglou said although Australian football continues to face issues, those that can survive it are well placed for success overseas.

“I’ve always felt it’s not the most fertile ground but whatever does the ground, is pretty nice,” Postecoglou said. “Whatever comes through football here and breaks through is pretty cool because it makes an impact worldwide.”

Australians have enjoyed success in Europe recently. Matildas players feature for several of Europe’s best sides, Socceroos captain Jackson Irvine and teammate Connor Metcalfe helped St Pauli back to the Bundesliga, and defender Alessandro Circati was a regular as Parma won Italy’s Serie B.

Postecoglou said he was looking forward to watching this weekend’s A-League grand final between Central Coast and Melbourne Victory.

“Central Coast have been a great story, not just for their success and the manner they’ve done it, a lot of young players through, [former coach] Nick Montgomery did an outstanding job, and the new manager [Mark Jackson] has come in and taken over and progressed it even further,” he said. “It should be a cracking game.”