Socceroos coach Graham Arnold appears set to be offered a fresh contract as informal negotiations continue with Football Australia hierarchy.
Arnold’s previous deal expired after overseeing Australia’s most successful World Cup at the tournament in Qatar.
The head coach is holidaying in the United Kingdom, with FA chief executive officer James Johnson keeping in contact ahead of Arnold’s return to Australia after Christmas.
Johnson has pledged to not sound out any other potential coaching candidates before Arnold returns.
“We are in touch with Graham about what his involvement over the next four years will look like,” Johnson told AAP.
(Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)
“Sure, having some stability with this team, given the rise, is a good thing and we will talk to Arnie about that.
“We won’t talk to others until we have finished talking to Arnie.
“But … we have got to be realistic, Arnie’s value has increased but so has the Australian game, and the Socceroos … let’s see where we land, but I must say I am very proud of Graham.”
Under Arnold, the Socceroos won two games at a single World Cup for the first time and advanced to the round of 16 for only the second occasion, following the feat of the 2006 squad.
Arnold has yet to indicate his future intentions, as FA hold a review into the cup campaign which is expected to be completed in January.
“We’re in regular contact, we have a great relationship,” Johnson said.
“I have just said, ‘Mate, go and have a break, we’re not going to market, we will be talking to you but let us finish our review … and then we will get together and have a beer and have a conversation around your future when you get back.
“That is what we intend to do. We don’t want to rush the decision.”
Johnson praised Arnold not only for the Socceroos’ performances in Qatar but also qualifying for the tournament after an arduous 20-game campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“He has succeeded – and not only with the (cup) result but also how he got there,” Johnson said.
“That was the hardest and most complex campaign we have had and it’s the best performance at a World Cup that we have had, so Arnie has done a fantastic job.”
Grem
Roar Rookie
Not at the standard of Italy, as we both know, but how didn’t they beat Bulgaria and North Macedonia (both outside the top 50)? They are both weaker than Japan and Saudi Arabia. I agree, we are a pretty good side. Ranking of 38 in the world, which may go up, places us in the top 20% of the over 200 countries that play. Like you though, I want us to be better – so we do need to look at coaching. Top 10% is achievable with more youth identification and development. To sit in the top 20 of all nations is where we should be aiming and that would mean qualifying through Asia would be easier, even against Japan,Iran and South Korea who are in the top 30.
Loosey
Roar Rookie
Italy didn't even make to the dance. So there is that. By that standard Australia are a pretty good side.
Grem
Roar Rookie
Saudi Arabia did come last, after beating Argentina. A better result than their 2-1 loss to Mexico and they may have been in the 16. I believe Saudi Arabia are not weak. I agree that Australia should have done better against China and Oman. I agree that all results, performances and style of play need to be considered.
Loosey
Roar Rookie
And who else? Home and away games of which Australia botched the home legs against both countries and recorded poor results against China and Oman. It was a weak group which Australia would have expected to top or come runner up in. Saudi ended up bottom of their group in the WC. (sadly no points for just losing) Japan topped theirs and Australia was runner up to France - probably as expected except Australia got there the hard way in qualifying via UAE and Peru. That needs to be taken into account when considering the coaching job is all I am saying.
Grem
Roar Rookie
Which included Japan and Saudi Arabia
Loosey
Roar Rookie
Asian qualifying group.
Grem
Roar Rookie
A weak group? We finished behind Japan (they beat Spain and Germany and lost to Croatia on penalties) - weak? We finished behind Saudi Arabia (only team to beat Argentina at this World Cup and just lost to Mexico) weaker than Japan, but still not weak.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
These are the same people who campaigned endlessly for WSW to sacrifice 10 million by having ACL final games at Parramatta. Their behaviour is not suprising. The difference is if Brisbane paid 10 million more than Sydney and got the hosting rights, I would be happier because its significantly more money even though Brisbane only has one A-league team. If Brisbane and Wellington offered the same amount I would go for Brisbane, its a matter of economics and good sense. The rest of the mob around Australia would still be opposed while not as hysterical if it was Brisbane. You on the other hand just as you do when Brisbane get a refs decision you would be backing Brisbane doing it with more elaborate excuses than Bosnich gave at half time in the Argentina Croatia. The worst though is you would also back Adelaide as well doing it.
Para+Ten ISUZU Subway support Australian Football
Roar Rookie
Arnie has earned it. Has there ever been any other national team manager with a real passion and a plan to create depth in the Socceroos, if so, who? Arnie is still the obvious choice. We don't need a second-rate foreign manager. They are all we can afford in any case. If we look overseas for someone with no eye on building depth, Australian football will stall. The Australian job has become a unique one. Arnold showed us his plan worked with a conveyor belt style system, producing new future Socceroos for now and the future. It has become more than just coaching the national team---it has encompassed the entire lot; 23s, Olyroos to Socceroos, this needs to continue for now. Only an Australian who knows the Australian landscape can now continue on this path.
Waz
Roar Rookie
I refer you to the internet. I refer you to the fan protests this weekend. I refer you to ADP who has resigned over this. I refer you to numerous football writers who are critical over this. What more do you need, don’t listen to me - listen to them.
boes
Roar Pro
yep 4 wins, a hiding from the french and a good reflex save in the dying moments denying extra time against the argies. Every match effectively a knock out. Kudos. Much more than I expected.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Arnie cant handle the logistics of going back and forth to Australia. Thats why I wouldn't have him, he sabotaged the campaign with the play at home business when it was going well.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Your on cloud nine you mean. Going on about Sydney for how any years and this is your vindication of your life's work of whining.
John Newy
Guest
Better the devil you know, than the uninspiring, unimaginative, and unproven alternatives they had lined up. Arnie, don’t waste a minute bringing the new youth through. The same team at the Asia Cup will be a disappointment.
jamesb
Roar Guru
Mixed feelings about it. In the end, Arnold did a great job, but there were some bumps along the way. Let’s wait and see if Arnold accepts a new deal.
Waz
Roar Rookie
“A state government invested into the game and that’s a fire?” Yes, an absolute massive fire that is sweeping the football nation. If that “investment” is not reversed it will break the A League - the boycotts start this weekend. Agree with you on the coaches comment. We do produce some good coaches.
Sports
Guest
A state government invested into the game and that’s a fire? Whether Arnold stays or goes is probably good either way. If he achieves success in the MLS than it just goes to show that we have some excellent coaches that need better players, longer rounds and more investment from state governments all over Australia. If he stays, than we will be subject to very pragmatic football for the next 4 years which may yield results or may be completely outdated by the time the next World Cup qualifying campaign starts. Who knows. But not sure what other options the FA has.
Loosey
Roar Rookie
Tournament football is very different to qualifying football as we are seeing with teams like Germany, Spain and England. Arnie very nearly didn’t qualify for Qatar and that should be taken into account given the weak group Australia were in. Notwithstanding that, moving through to the round of 16 with two wins was a very, very good achievement. Sides have shown, once it goes to knock out anything can happen.
JimmyJax
Guest
Yup, he keeps batting his eyelashes at the MLS. Hopefully he gets the call from the yanks! A win win for all!
AGO74
Guest
Agree. He has earnt that. For all those who will berate the qualifying campaign and it had some very poor moments, in the six biggest matches of the last 4 year cycle (UAE, Peru, France, Tunisia, Denmark, Argentina) he produced one stinker (France) whilst the rest were good (UAE), very good (Peru, Argentina) and excellent (Tunisia, Denmark) performances. The players clearly like him and clearly this is a team that is greater than sum of its parts. A person who lead that and who is Australian and generally understands the Australian football landscape should be retained.