Football Australia chief executive James Johnson said the federation would take steps to appoint a new permanent Socceroos coach “hopefully in the next few days or the next week or two” following Graham Arnold's shock resignation on Friday.
As first reported by AAP, Arnold informed Football Australia's board of his decision to step down from his role earlier this week, following a 1-0 loss to Bahrain and a 0-0 draw with Indonesia. Players and staff were informed of the decision on Friday morning, with Johnson stating that for them it will be “business as usual” in the coming weeks.
Names such as Kevin Muscat, Tony Popović, Hervé Renard, John Aloisi, Nick Montgomery and Peter Cklamovski have already been mentioned as possible candidates, but Johnson would not reveal details about possible candidates or whether the federation would appear local or foreign when he speaks to reporters on Friday, merely stressing the desire for a swift process.
“We are already looking for a new manager,” Johnson said. “We know the market. We know who is available. And I want to confirm that we will move quickly to appoint a permanent manager before the next recruitment window. Hopefully, in the next few days or the next week or two, we would like to meet with you here so we can share the news of who will be the new Socceroos manager.
“We want a coach who is tactically astute. We want a coach who understands the Australian mentality and understands our players – that's important to us because the coach will be coming in before the next selection window. And we want a coach we have confidence in to guide us through a tricky Asian qualification process. That kind of knowledge and experience will be important in our selection matrix for the permanent Socceroos coach.”
As with the Matildas' search for a full-time coach, Heather Garriock and Sam Ciccarello of Football Australia's board of directors' football committee, national teams boss Gary Moretti and Johnson will lead the recruitment process, with input from figures including director of football Ernie Merrick.
Whoever takes over will inherit a Socceroo side that sits second from bottom in Group C of Asia's third qualifying round but, stressing there was a long way to go in the qualification process – eight more games in this phase and the possibility of further qualifying rounds – Johnson said Arnold's departure represented an opportunity to “refresh the squad” ahead of games against China in Adelaide and Japan in Saitama next month.
“We are very excited about the future of the Socceroos and their upward trajectory,” he said. “We believe in the players. We believe in the team. We have every confidence that the team will go on and qualify for the 2026 World Cup and we will continue to invest heavily in this team because we believe they will qualify.”
Last week, the executive backed Arnold to bounce back from the disappointment of the September window, saying: “We're confident in Graham to get the team back on track.” Sources have since reiterated to ESPN that the veteran coach was not forced out of the role; his departure was of his own accord, something Johnson reiterated on Friday.
“Graham is the type of coach who gives everything for the team,” said the executive, who also confirmed that Arnod's departure was not related to health. “He gives everything in the preparation of the games. I think he was out of energy. He was very open about it. I met with him this week, but I also met with him after the game against Indonesia and he was really tired.
“The last window was tough for him personally, he cares a lot about this team. When we spoke, we felt like he wasn't going to move forward no matter what we said.”
Arnold's resignation brings to an end one of the longest and most celebrated relationships with the Socceroos, with the 61-year-old having been involved with the national set-up in some capacity as a player or coach since 1985.
Having come perilously close to the sacking just months earlier when qualification seemed to be slipping away (Football Australia itself turned on the coach after a loss to Japan in Sydney), Arnold led Australia to the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they put Argentina under pressure before being eliminated 2-1.
The 56-time Socceroo, who previously took charge of the team on an interim basis in 2006-07, leaves with the records for most appearances managed and won by the national team.
“Coaching the Socceroos has been the pinnacle of my career and a real honour,” said Arnold. “I am incredibly proud of our achievements, from breaking records to nurturing new talent and making history on a global level. After careful consideration, I believe it is time for a new leader to guide the team into the future.
“I extend my sincere thanks to the players, my team, Football Australia and our passionate fans for their unwavering support. The Socceroos have a bright future ahead of them and I am confident they will continue to excel.
“I have provided 40 years of service to Australian football, the last six years as head coach of the Socceroos.
“I said after our match against Indonesia that I had to make some decisions and, after deep reflection, my instinct told me it was time for a change, both for me and for the program.
“I have made the decision to step down in the best interests of the nation, the players and Football Australia. I have given absolutely everything I can to the role and am immensely proud of what I have achieved during my tenure.
“Witnessing the personal and footballing growth of this group of players, the identity and brotherhood that has formed and is now revered by others, and the way this team galvanised a country during their record-breaking exploits in Qatar will be highlights forever.
“I would like to sincerely thank everyone, especially the Australian football family, who have been part of this journey over the past six years, and wish this incredible team and support staff nothing but success in this FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.”
