‘It will be free-flowing attacking football’: Rogic set to thrive in Arnold’s Caltex Socceroos
Tom Rogic is relishing the freedom he’ll have in Graham Arnold’s attack-minded Caltex Socceroos game-plan which is set to be unleashed against Kuwait on Tuesday morning (AEDT).
Arnold takes charge of his first match in charge of the national team tomorrow in a vital pre-AFC Asian Cup hit-out at the Al Kuwait Sports Club Stadium.
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The Caltex Socceroos have been working hard for the last week in fine-tuning Arnold’s offensive style, with Rogic set to be a key piece of the puzzle against Kuwait.
And the Celtic playmaker has seen enough to be enthused about just what the team can achieve in an attacking sense.
“It’s very positive and as an attacking player, it’s exciting at the prospect of what we can achieve,” Rogic told reporters on the eve of the clash against Kuwait.
“There’s definitely a freedom for all attacking players which is exciting and something I’m very much looking forward to.
Rogic added: “In my role on the pitch there’s always a certain element of freedom but there’s just a little more emphasis placed upon that.
“As an attacker you always look to contribute whether it’s through creating or scoring and it’s going to be no different.
“It’s just about working together…it will be free-flowing, attacking football and that’s what we’re looking forward to.”
After missing Arnold’s first training camp in Turkey last month through injury, Rogic has taken part in every session since his arrival in the Middle East.
While the squad has been working hard to get the new boss’ style and principles in place, there has also been a sense of enjoyment and fun in every session.
For Rogic, the mix has been exactly right so far to ensure the team is primed for a big performance against Kuwait.
“As a player it’s something you enjoy and thrive on. I think the environment on and off the pitch that has been created so far has been great,” he said.
“It seems to be one that will give the players everything they need to go out and perform to their best and maybe to levels that we haven’t seen before.
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“It’s early days but it’s very exciting.”
Asked about reuniting with Arnold, who gave him his start in professional football, Rogic said: “He [Arnold] was my first manager in professional football and I certainly learned a lot from him [at Central Coast Mariners].
“Fast forward six years and I think it is safe to say that Graham has learned a lot and become a better manager, and along the way I feel as though I have become a better player as well.”
