Socceroos coach Graham Arnold says he hasn’t spoken with Football Australia and its CEO James Johnson amid reports his future as the man in charge could be over.
The Socceroos’ bid to qualify for the 2022 World Cup is on life support following a string of disappointing results.
A recent 2-2 draw against Oman, along with last week’s 2-0 loss to Japan, means that despite one match remaining against Saudi Arabia in Group B, the Socceroos will finish in third.
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The third-place finish in Group B will see Australia head to the dreaded play-off scenario. They will first clash with the third-placed team in the other Asian group, Group A, and should they win, they will face a sudden-death match against South America’s fifth-placed side.
Following Australia’s loss to Japan, which all but secured their third-spot finish, a report by the Sydney Morning Herald suggested Arnold’s days were numbered.
The report stated that FA bosses were considering whether Arnold should remain as coach for the must-win play-offs later this year.
Despite those reports, Arnold said he hasn’t spoken with Football Australia or its boss.
“No, not at all,” Arnold told media. “As I said, the reality is today we sit in the same place as where we were four years ago and other times with play-offs.
“My expectations and my way of pushing the players to the limit was to qualify directly, that didn’t happen.
“The fact is we are in third spot and the fifth-highest points tally in Asia. Where we finished last time, fifth, was exactly the same.”
The Socceroos coach wasn’t interested in addressing his coaching future amid speculation.
“I am sorry, I don’t read what you guys write, I don’t do any social media. I block out all the external noise and I focus on the players,” Arnold said.
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But he did confirm reports had impacted his family.
“The only one who has told me a little bit is my wife, who has been hurt by it,” he said.
“At the end of the day, she’s the one that’s checking in on me, but I’m fine and this is always part of the job.
“I know I’ve given my best and I am giving my best to help these players.”
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