- Graham Arnold resigned as Socceroos coach in September
- Arnold, 61, open to coaching another Asian country or club
Graham Arnold has revealed the real reason behind his decision to step down as Socceroos coach in September and why he aims to return as a professional coach.
Arnold, 61, felt he was “lying to the players” as their enthusiasm quickly waned, and was quick to emphasize that he pressed on for the good of the national team after a poor start to the Cup qualifying campaign. World Cup 2026.
A shock 1-0 draw against Bahrain on the Gold Coast was followed by an unacceptable 0-0 draw against Indonesia last month, and Arnold knew the knives would be out.
“I’m an honest person and I had to be honest with myself,” he said. News Corporation.
‘I wasn’t 100 per cent invested in the work and I didn’t enjoy it. I couldn’t lie to the players that I was enjoying it.
“If you don’t have that passion, love and fight, then (find) someone who can do it better.”
Within days of resigning, Arnold was replaced by Tony Popovic, who has since guided Australia to a 3-1 victory over China PR and a credible 1-1 draw against Japan to get the qualification campaign back on track.
Arnold, who is comfortably the Socceroos’ most successful coach with an impressive 68 per cent winning record, also confirmed he did not receive any payment from Football Australia once he left.
Graham Arnold has revealed the real reason he quit as Socceroos boss and why he is aiming to return to professional training (pictured at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar).
Arnold felt he was “lying to the players” as his enthusiasm as Socceroos head coach waned (pictured, during the eventual 0-0 draw with Indonesian football minnows)
All he dumped into Arnold’s bank account was the vacation pay he was owed.
In his six-year reign, Arnold, who also won A-League titles with the Central Coast Mariners and Sydney FC, led Australia to the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, losing to eventual winners Argentina.
The significant achievement is Arnold’s crowning glory as a coach, but don’t expect to see him retire from world football just yet.
A recent conversation with Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou provided the reassurance Arnold craved.
‘Aussie Ange’ stressed that patience is key as Arnold is open to coaching another nation for a World Cup or even at club level in Asia.
On Friday night, Arnold will once again be shouting instructions from the sidelines at Commbank Stadium in Parramatta when he coaches the Tim Cahill XI in an exhibition match against a team formed by Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho.
He would also love to be involved in the inner sanctum of an NRL club, convinced their football coaching philosophies could intersect.
“It’s about how to bring out the best in people,” Arnold said. “Communication is key.”