The way forward for Socceroos coach Graham Arnold stays unsure after Australia’s gorgeous World Cup success, with rival nations and abroad golf equipment seeking to poach the Australian mastermind.
After a gruelling four-year journey to Qatar, Arnold guided the Socceroos to their finest World Cup consequence – profitable two matches and qualifying for the Round of 16, the place they went toe-to-toe with giants Argentina.
Arnold’s contract expired following the match exit, and Football Australia is conducting a assessment into the match and full qualification journey earlier than making a choice on a contract extension. That assessment is anticipated to take till the brand new yr.
Arnold, in the meantime, is travelling to England for a well-deserved six-week break over Christmas.
Watch the world’s finest footballers each week with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. LIVE protection from Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Serie A, Carabao Cup, EFL & SPFL. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
But The Daily Telegraph reviews a number of rival nations – one in east Asia, one within the Middle East – are hoping to signal Arnold to take cost of their nationwide groups. The paper additionally reviews that two abroad golf equipment additionally approached Arnold previous to the World Cup. Interest within the Australian is sort of sure to extend on the again of the Socceroos’ success in Qatar.
Arnold’s agent Tony Rallis informed The Daily Telegraph: “There was some preliminary dialogue (with FA) pre-World Cup the place we had been informed KPIs needed to be met earlier than any contract discussions may happen, however there was no direct supply.”
He added: “There was pre-World Cup curiosity from a few golf equipment and two nationwide federations are taken with speaking to us post-World Cup.”
Football Australia’s prolonged assessment may open the door for these suitors to pounce.
“I simply need to go away, have a superb vacation, have a break and see what occurs,” Arnold stated after the Argentina recreation.
“I haven’t even thought of it (my future). I would like a relaxation and little doubt I’ll have good discussions then with the organisation.”
But former Socceroo Robbie Slater – a superb buddy of his former worldwide teammate and coach – informed the Fox Football Podcast that Arnold desires to increase his time in command of Australia’s males’s crew.
Slater stated on Monday: “I do know Arnie very properly, he desires it … Talking to him final evening, I believe he desires it.”
“I can’t see why he doesn’t get provided a brand new one,” Slater added, “except after all they (FA) made up their thoughts earlier than the World Cup, pondering it wasn’t going to be as profitable because it was.”
Socceroos obtain airport heroes welcome | 03:28
Arnold’s job had been on extraordinarily skinny ice earlier this yr, after the Socceroos failed to make sure automated qualification to the World Cup. Football Australia was getting ready to sacking Arnold forward of the play-offs however held their nerve and the Socceroos delivered clutch wins over the UAE and Peru to ebook a spot in Qatar.
But earlier than the match began, there have been widespread rumours that FA was searching for to put in one other former Socceroo in John Aloisi as Arnold’s substitute after the match. Aloisi led Western United to an A-League championship final season.
But having exceeded all expectations on the World Cup, it extraordinarily unlikely that Graham Arnold is not going to be provided the possibility to proceed.
Slater stated: “I believe the sport’s modified slightly bit now. You hearken to the gamers, you hearken to the folks … I believe he deserves it. Why would you go off in a unique path?”
Aloisi at the moment informed RSN Breakfast Club: “If Graham Arnold nonetheless desires to remain on, I believe he ought to keep on. I believe that’s as much as him, they need to supply him a brand new deal. If he’s keen to remain then that may be nice.
“If he decides to maneuver on and it does turn into open and somebody approaches me, I’d positively have an interest. It’s an ambition of mine to teach the Socceroos someday. Whether that’s now or sooner or later, I’d positively like to.”
MORE NEWS
‘Seriously ugly’: Brazil ship epic World Cup assertion in four-goal blitz
‘Utter garbage’: Aussie nice slams Irish legend’s depressing swipe at Brazil celebrations
Brazil thrash South Korea to achieve QFs | 00:55
FOOTBALL AUSTRALIA STATEMENT
FA chief James Johnson stated: “As all the time happens following a serious match involving our nationwide groups, Football Australia will begin a full assessment of the marketing campaign and the senior males’s nationwide crew program together with staffing as we enter into the subsequent FIFA World Cup cycle.
“We additionally stay up for discussing our plans for the subsequent FIFA World Cup cycle with Graham when he returns to Australia following a well-deserved break. This thorough assessment will happen over the approaching weeks and be introduced to the board of Football Australia for consideration within the New Year.”
MORE COVERAGE
Socceroos fall JUST quick in WC thriller as Aussies give ‘rattled’ Argentina BIG scare
World View: How ‘sincere’ Aussies made soccer shut up and take discover
‘I’m not stunned’: Ryan hits again after membership teammate’s brutal sledge over howler
