Aussies give Socceroos choice tick of approval
THE two leading local candidates for the Socceroos coaching job have lauded the appointment of Dutchman Bert van Marwijk.
Graham Arnold insists Australian players across the globe now have a clean slate from which to impress van Marwijk, which could, he said, open the door to several World Cup bolters.
One name the Sydney FC boss threw up was Melbourne City whiz kid Daniel Arzani, who has impressed in every game he has played since breaking into the A-League side’s starting line-up.
But either way Arnold is likely to be keeping a close eye on Arzani.
If, as expected, Arnold is appointed as the long-term Socceroos coach after the World Cup in Russia, Arzani, 19, is one player who could feature prominently in qualifying for the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
But there is also talk Arzani, off contract at season end, could return to his hometown to play for either Sydney or Western Sydney next season and if Arnold were to remain with the Sky Blues the attacking midfielder would likely be welcomed with open arms.
“There’s some impressive kids around,” Arnold said.
“That Arzani, he’s a kid that you can nearly throw in. He’s brave and he’s prepared to do anything.
“A foreign coach might see him and think, ‘wow’, where an Australian coach might say ‘maybe he’s not ready’.
“I think that will be the difference. All Australian players are on alert knowing now that they have to perform.
“I had the experience of working with Guus (Hiddink) and seeing the change in things and how the players can react with a short-term appointment.
“A guy is walking into the dressing room having been to a World Cup final, so I think you’ll get a very positive reaction.”
Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat was another in the mix for the Socceroos role and still may feature in discussions for the post-Russia appointment.
He, like Arnold, said van Marwijk was a “very good” appointment.
“He’s one with knowledge in areas that’s required at this point in time having been to a World Cup and also having played against us during this campaign,” Muscat said.
“He’ll have an understanding of the group.”
Arnold maintained he was in the dark about the selection process for the long-term coaching role.
“I spoke to them about this campaign,” Arnold said. “But not spoken to them about anything after the World Cup.”