Graham Arnold outlined the objectives he would like to achieve as he remains at the helm after putting pen-to-paper on a new contract to lead the Subway Socceroos until the end of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Speaking at his press conference on Monday, Arnold revealed he had been in contact with the leadership group to get a sense of their ambitions and immediately realised they were on the same page. Unfinished business remains.
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The boss admitted he would not have continued if he felt the squad had reached its full potential.
But Arnold was unequivocal in his belief that the side can reach another level, particularly with the exciting crop of youngsters currently in and around the squad and those still yet to debut.
"I spoke to quite a number of the players to get the vibe from them as well, as if they feel that we've got more to achieve and all of them were like, 'we're only 50% Arnie'," Arnold told reporters.
"We've got so much more with these kids coming through, so it's one step at a time."
While Arnold confirmed he had offers elsewhere from Europe and the Middle East following Australia's most successful appearance at the FIFA World Cup, a burning desire to return and build on the foundations he had begun implementing during his second tenure in charge remained.
The 59-year-old's passion for Australian football is unwavering, hence it made perfect sense to carry on and see his vision come to fruition and take the Subway Socceroos forward.
Continuity is imperative to success and while not mutually exclusive it is certainly easier to build a culture and drive positive outcomes in a stable environment.
One of those reasons for wanting to persist in the role was to help Australian kids and provide a clearer pathway for the young talent coming through the system.
The former Central Coast Mariners and Sydney FC tactician has been responsible for ushering in a new generation of players under his tutelage.
Kye Rowles, Riley McGree, Keanu Baccus, Joel King and Garang Kuol are just some of the examples to have forced their way into the team and simultaneously lowering the average age in the squad in the process.
And that is only scratching the surface. The depth Australia currently possess has arguably not been this strong for some time.
Arnold went on to explain how his position is more than just Head Coach of the senior National Team.
"I took the Olyroos on last campaign to help Australian kids and as I said to JJ (Football Australia CEO James Johnson) in Qatar, if I did consider staying on, and I want to stay on, it's not just about the Socceroos," he stated.
"I want to help Australian kids. I want to help the pathways. I want to help get the Socceroos a home."
With FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers not beginning until later this year in November, the Aussies have four international windows to play friendly matches which will allow Arnold the prospect to experiment and try new tactics, formations, combinations and personnel.
Arnold delineated what he aims to accomplish during the upcoming three and and a half years, listing three primary goals.
"The first step is going to the Asian Cup to be successful and win it," a determined Arnold said.
"Secondly is direct qualification for the World Cup because I really don't want to go through that (the play-off process) again.
"And thirdly, to achieve more than what we did at the World Cup (in 2022).
"So when you look at those three goals, and I put that to those players and the senior boys and they're all on board with that, they understand exactly what I believe in and what I expect from the players and so, looking at that again, there is so much more improvement to do."
An announcement for the forthcoming March FIFA Window is expected to be made in the coming weeks.