Arnold committed to Caltex Socceroos' winning mentality

Graham Arnold proudly watched on as the Caltex Socceroos won the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, and now his dream is to win back-to-back trophies.

Arnold takes over from Bert van Marwijk after the FIFA World Cup in Russia, and his first major test as coach of Australia will be the 2019 AFC Asian Cup in UAE next January.

READ: FFA appoints Graham Arnold Caltex Socceroos Head Coach post the 2018 FIFA World Cup

Australia is one of the favourites for the region's showpiece event, along with Japan, Iran, Korea Republic and potentially the hosts.

But for Arnold, nothing less than winning the trophy will do after Ange Postecoglou guided the Caltex Socceroos to a famous win in the final on home soil three years ago.

"I dream of winning the Asian Cup and the World Cup. That's what I'm going for. That's what we're here for,” Arnold told media on Thursday.

"We're not going there to make up numbers and I know there's a high expectation level in Australia and it should be because we have a winning mentality.

"And that needs to continue."

Playing away won't be easy for the Australians but with the tournament being played in January, the conditions should be ideal with temperatures in the low 20s.

In preparation, Arnold will likely have games in August and September with potential matches in October or November.

Then he'll have a little time in camp with the squad before the tournament kicks off on January 5, finishing February 1. 

So there won't be much time to put his stamp on the group. 

Beforehand, Arnold will watch on as Australia aim to get out of their group against France, Denmark and Peru at the FIFA World Cup in Russia starting in June.

"I look forward to learning a lot off Bert [van Marwijk] from afar. And no doubt I'll have those conversations with him [van Marwijk] in and around those times," said Arnold.

"I feel at home, I'm already called Arnie by the Chairman and CEO. Graham went out the window quite quickly," he added with a smile.