Graham Arnold has signed a multi-year deal to remain coach of the Socceroos, with Football Australia to confirm his new contract on Monday.
Provided Arnold wanted to continue his tenure that started in 2018, there was little doubt he would be offered a new deal by FA following the Socceroos’ memorable run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Under Arnold, the Socceroos won two games in their group and progressed to the round of 16 for the first time since 2006.
It took eventual champions Argentina to end Australia’s run with a 2-1 win
Despite the defeat, the Socceroos’ overall performance in Qatar was rightly hailed a success.
Following the World Cup, 59-year-old Arnold was named the tournament’s top coach by French sports newspaper L’Equipe
It was a far cry from the calls for Arnold’s head during the Socceroos’ qualifying campaign.
However, despite Australia’s failure to direct qualify for Qatar 2022, FA kept faith in Arnold for the do-or-die playoffs, and were rewarded when the Socceroos’ qualified for the World Cup with a penalty shootout win over Peru.
It’s understood players were consulted during the coaching review following the World Cup, with Arnold having secured great support such was the spirit he had fostered during the playoffs and tournament proper.
Earlier this month, Socceroos defender Kye Rowles told Bein Sports: “He’s created a great family environment around the Socceroos and has been an awesome head coach.
“Tactically he set us up perfectly at the World Cup – the substitutions were always on point – and the game plans were spot on.
“We’ve struck up a good balance and that’s because of ‘Arnie’ creating that culture of ‘we’re all in it together’.”
The Socceroos are set to return to action in March, with their next major tournament being the Asian Cup, also in Qatar
Dates are yet to be confirmed for the Asian Cup, but it’s expected to take place early next year.
