Arnie wants goals to flow

AS Graham Arnold’s regime begins on the pitch, the Socceroos boss says he wants to “feel the love” from his squad … and count the goals.

Promising a proactive, attack-minded style of play, starting with the friendly against Kuwait early tomorrow, Arnold said he wanted to give his players “freedom” to push forward.

Arnold’s work since taking the job in July has been about creating multiple pathways to goal after the retirements of Tim Cahill and Mile Jedinak.

He also wants to create the group culture that brought him so much success at Sydney FC.

“The way I coach and man- age, I’ve got to feel the love,” he said. “I’ve got to get to know people, have people that care, and know how they operate. I expect all the principles we worked on [in training] will come together in the game, and that builds belief. Once that comes, you start creating miracles.

“We’ve been working hard on the style we will play — and it’s about playing to their [my players’] strengths. Australians always have great discipline, great attitude, that’s the least you expect.

“With the attack, we’re giving them rotations, options and freedom. I believe we have the quality in the front half of the field that will excite everyone. We’ve done a full analysis of the top teams across Europe — Manchester City breaking records last year with the most goals, Barca, Juve — we see a common theme to replicate, about getting numbers in the penalty box in front of goal. The more you get in, the more chance you have of scoring.”

There will be plenty of familiar faces against Kuwait, Robbie Kruse and Mathew Leckie will flank Apostolos Giannou in attack, with Tom Rogic behind the striker as playmaker. Jackson Irvine and Massimo Luongo will hold the midfield.

Although the Kuwait night air will be warm, it shouldn’t be insufferable, while the home side is buoyed by two wins and two draws from its past four games — including a 1-1 draw with World Cup qualifiers Egypt.