EXCLUSIVE: Socceroos manager Graham Arnold slams ‘appalling’ treatment of football in Australia and says national team will not take part in future World Cups unless drastic action is taken
- Graham Arnold fears for Socceroos production line
- Other nations’ elite football programs are thriving
- Socceroos still doesn’t have a high performance unit
- Also do not receive government funding, unlike the AFL and NRL
Socceroos manager Graham Arnold is concerned about the future of football across the country – and with good reason.
In an extensive interview with Daily Mail Australia, the 59-year-old revealed why other countries in Europe and Asia are ‘miles ahead’ when it comes to their elite programmes.
Arnold also questioned why other football codes such as the AFL and NRL repeatedly receive government funding – but football, year after year, receives nothing.
Additionally, Arnold wants to see a Socceroos high performance center created for football in a capital city like Sydney – as well as a museum where the past exploits of decorated players such as Johnny Warren, Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill can be celebrated forever.
“To be honest, the way our sport is treated is appalling,” the Socceroos boss said.
Socceroos manager Graham Arnold fears a lack of government funding for Australian rules football could mean an end to World Cup appearances unless something is done
Socceroos World Cup hero Aaron Mooy cut his teeth in football in New South Wales before moving overseas to Scotland to play for St Mirren in 2010 – and when he returns to home now, the facilities he faces are nothing like those of other nations.
“I notice the Sydney Swans have a new training facility in Moore Park and the [Wests] Tigers recently opened a Center of Excellence in Concord.
“I have no problem with other codes getting funding, but why are we being left out?
“There is a clear expectation that the Socceroos have to qualify for every World Cup…I tell you that if we continue to be left behind when it comes to funding, it just won’t happen in the future.”
“Creating world-class facilities on our doorstep will allow our talented young players to realistically compete against other nations. “I know it has to happen because I have travelled… and other nations have are constantly improving.
‘Some places in the Middle East for example, they seem to get better every week, it’s amazing.
‘We need a [national] high performance center, where our players can get medical treatment, use ice baths or recuperate after long flights from Europe.
“Sydney makes sense as a location given the levels of participation in NSW and the large number of players from the state who have gone to play for Socceroos and the Matildas.
“A permanent home for the Socceroos is a must.”
Nestory Irankunda is destined to be a Socceroo – and aged just 17, caught the eye of German giants Bayern Munich
Australia have stunned football fans around the world with their incredible run at the World Cup (pictured, Harry Souttar playing against Argentina) – and Arnold thinks it’s a ‘miracle’ the national team is ranked 39th on the planet
Arnold also said it was a “minor miracle”. The Socceroos are 39th in the FIFA World Rankings, while the Matildas sit 10th ahead of the Women’s World Cup on home soil later this year.
“It is due to the hunger and desire of individuals,” he said.
“Players are those who are brave enough to test themselves abroad, away from family and friends… and once they are established at their respective clubs, they risk everything to come back and play for Australia. .”
‘And why? Yes, it’s fantastic to represent your nation, but it should be a two-way street.
“We all saw the live footage from the World Cup in Qatar. The appetite for football is there, we just need funding at government level to be able to continue to compete with the rest of the world.
Keep reading Daily Mail Australia for part two of Graham Arnold’s interview where he discusses this weekend’s A-League Grand Final between Melbourne City and Central Coast Mariners.
