As Graham Arnold prepares to go out on his own for matches coaching 'A' international Subway Socceroos matches, two of his closest colleagues have praised his grasp of the game’s mental side.
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Arnold took over as Socceroos boss for the second time in 2018, following the team’s World Cup group stage finish in Russia with supporters craving an upturn in results.
However, according to current Australia captain Mathew Ryan, the multiple A-Leagues championship winner’s priority was getting the mood right in the camp.
Ryan broke into the Central Coast Mariners first team under the guidance of Arnold in 2010 before setting off on his European career.
The experienced shot-stopper said he noticed an evolution from Arnold when he returned to the Socceroos coaching role eight years later.
“From the first time I had him at the Mariners to the first time when I had him come into the national team, I really noticed a difference in the psychological part of the game. You could see that he had gone through an evolution of recognising and acknowledging how much he believes in positivity around the camp and that the energy that comes from that is an important factor within the group,” Ryan said.
“I think he’s someone first and foremost who wants to create a real togetherness as a side - a real family-type environment. In my experience within the game up until now, the teams that have that backbone have been the more successful teams.
“There’s no better feeling when you’re on that pitch, and you look around, and you’ve got 10 other blokes knowing that they’ll do whatever they can possible in order to help you through a scenario and likewise you for them.”
Tweet: https://twitter.com/Socceroos/status/1724147619977461853
Socceroos assistant coach Rene Meulensteen came into the team with Arnold in 2018 and echoed the importance and value of building a team from a solid culture.
“He’s got an infectious passion for the Socceroos, and he cares deeply for the success of the team,” Meulensteen said.
“His man-management qualities in terms of communication are very good.
“We’ve created a fantastic culture together with the staff and the players.
“Every time, it’s a pleasure to see the players coming into camp enjoying themselves. However, we are here to do a job to perform and win games. There is also room for a lot of banter, and I don’t underestimate that because laughter creates a lot of energy.”
Meulensteen said the coaching team, led by Arnold, had changed the perception of Australia from the rest of the footballing world following their performances in the last couple of years.
After qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, Australia made the Round of 16 before bowing out admirably to eventual champions Argentina.
Since then, the side have taken on Argentina again while testing themselves against other world football dominators, including England - putting in competitive performances.
“I do honestly believe that we have truly changed the perception of the Socceroos,” Meulensteen said.
“We’ve earned a lot of respect for the Socceroos and the way we play.
“It’s always to drive the players on for more, raising the bar. We set out on this journey five and a half years ago to create the greatest Socceroos team ever. To do that, we had the intent to win every game.”
More than the desired upturn in results, Ryan explained Arnold’s passion for Australian football and his players is what sets him apart from many.
He said he is ‘forever indebted’ to the man who will break the record for the most 'A' international Socceroos matches coached on Thursday night against Bangladesh.
“Without the love and respect that he has for our great country and the game, he wouldn’t be where he is today in achieving these feats that he’s achieving,” Ryan said.
“I’m trying to do everything I possibly can to help make his managerial career as best as it can be. I think it’s my way of saying thanks for him showing faith in me as a young kid coming through the Mariners and giving me the opportunity to be a professional footballer, helping me learn and grow and develop as a footballer and as a man.
“He’s been a big influence in my life and my career, and I’m very thankful and fortunate to have had him guide me through my journey so far.”
Arnold will be in the dugout as head coach for the 59th time when the Socceroos host Bangladesh in their 2026 World Cup qualifying opener on Thursday night in Melbourne.
FIFA WORLD CUP 2026™ SECOND ROUND ASIAN QUALIFIERS:
Subway Socceroos v Bangladesh
Thursday, 16 November 2023
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-off: 8.00pm AEDT
Tickets: via Ticketek
Broadcast: Network 10 and Paramount+