Arnold keen to get to know European-based Caltex Socceroos

Graham Arnold and his Caltex Socceroos coaching staff are about to board a plane and head to Antalya.

After football around the world this weekend has wrapped up, 31 players will head to Turkey for the first gathering of some of Australia’s best and brightest in Graham Arnold’s stint at Australia boss.

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It’s a squad which has a bit of everything: the stalwarts, the returners, and the fresh faces.   

“I chose for an extended squad, without a game this time, because there are a lot of players I have worked with and haven’t seen for quite a while,” said Arnold.

“There are a number of players that I haven’t worked with, that I want to get to know.

“I do believe we have a lot of potential, there are kids coming through and getting fresh faces in was very important for me.

“I’ve always been someone who is more long-term vision than short. If you give kids the opportunity, they’ll step up. Getting some fresh blood in, some youngsters in, adding a new vibe to the Socceroos was important to me and I think we’ve done that.”

Watch the full interview with Arnold above, where he talks the AFC Asian Cup, the Olympics, the potential of our young Aussies, and looking ahead the 2022 FIFA World Cup.