'It's all about what we do': Behich calls for Socceroos to show their authority

Total focus and belief on Australia’s strengths will be Graham Arnold’s mandate for the Socceroos’ AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 campaign, says Aziz Behich.

Australia are aiming to lay down a marker and commence their AFC Asian Cup defence this Sunday against Jordan in style when the two nations meet at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.

For 28-year-old left-back Behich and Arnold’s Socceroos, it will be a great chance to advance their approach for the tournament.

“With Arnie, it’s all about what we do,” he said.

“If we do the right things [and] what we’ve been working on the pitch it will show on the weekend.

“We want to start this tournament with a bang. We want to do that against any opponent, whether it be Oman, Jordan – it really doesn’t matter for us.”

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Behich, who plies his trade for PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch Eredivisie, has become a key component of Arnold’s high-energy attacking style.

He’s made 13 consecutive starts for the Green and Gold, and is relishing the attacking licence afforded to him in Arnold’s system.

“I think you’ve seen in the last few games the fullbacks are really high up and really attacking.

“We have to join in the attack a lot but at the same time do our defensive duties.

“That’s something that I love. I have the engine to go up and down but I love to get forward and help the team in attack.

“I think the system playing under Arnie is really exciting.”