SYDNEY: Graham Arnold has quit as coach of the Socceroos, Football Australia said on Friday, following a poor start to the third round of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
“I love Australian football but I’m worn out from the game and I need a break,” said the 61-year-old, who had been in charge since 2018.
Arnold departs after a shock 1-0 home defeat to Bahrain earlier this month then a goalless draw at Indonesia that left Australia with one point from their opening two matches in the decisive third round of qualifying for 2026.
Arnold, who took the Socceroos to the last 16 of the Qatar World Cup, said he had been considering his future since Australia lost to South Korea in the Asian Cup quarter-finals.
“I truly went to the Asian Cup thinking we were going to win it. Over the last six months I have tried to convince myself to keep going, but in my gut it hasn’t felt right,” he said.
Following last week’s draw with Indonesia, the under-pressure Arnold showed his frustration after his team squandered a string of opportunities.
“I said after our game against Indonesia that I had some decisions to make, and after deep reflection, my gut has told me it’s time for change, both for myself and the programme,” he said. “I’ve given absolutely everything I can to the role and I am immensely proud of what has been achieved during my tenure.”
Published in Dawn, September 21st, 2024
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