Graham Arnold says he has extra to offer the Socceroos and Australian soccer after signing a four-year contract extension that may take him via to the tip of the World Cup in 2026.
Arnold’s job was hanging by a thread a yr in the past after the nationwide workforce struggled to qualify for Qatar 2022, lacking out on a direct berth on the match via the Asian confederation.
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold is staying on for 4 extra years.Credit score:Getty Photos
However he masterminded an unbelievable penalty shootout win over Peru within the intercontinental play-offs to guide Australia’s spot in a troublesome World Cup group with France, Tunisia and Denmark. He then steered the Socceroos to their finest end at a World Cup, successful two video games for the primary time earlier than falling simply quick in opposition to eventual champions Argentina within the spherical of 16.
The Socceroos have been ranked eleventh general and Arnold was rated the match’s finest coach by hard-marking French sports activities newspaper L’Equipe, boosting his bargaining energy with Soccer Australia.
Arnold’s contract expired with the ultimate kick of the ball in Qatar. He has spent the previous two months mulling his future, weighing up a possible transfer abroad with both a membership or a rival nationwide workforce. Soccer Australia has additionally rigorously reviewed the coach and workforce’s efficiency earlier than making him a proper supply, however made it clear from the outset Arnold was the best choice.
It was all the time going to be a query of whether or not Arnold wished a brand new problem or to stick with the Socceroos – and his reply is unequivocal.
“I really like Australia and I really like Australian soccer, and nothing in soccer can ever match the elation, delight and sense of accomplishment, I and the complete set-up felt in Qatar,” he mentioned in an announcement.
“The starvation to proceed within the function has by no means been stronger and I do know I’ve extra to offer to the Socceroos’ program and Australian soccer, the place I need to ship extra smiles for our followers as we did in Qatar.”
