DOHA: Graham Arnold said that he was hardly sleeping both after Australia’s defeat to France, and before the win over Tunisia.
How is he faring now, with the team in a much better spot? The answer might surprise you.
“Worse, because I just want so much more,” he told reporters.
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“I can’t explain it, because it’s such a strong passion I have for Australian football.”
For any criticism anyone wants to levy at Arnold – and there are plenty of detractors – nobody can question his passion for the sport, and the Socceroos.
Above everything else, he just wants to win – and was smiling when recalling the rowdy scenes from around the country during the Tunisia game.
“To see the celebrations… I got sent a few videos from friends, but also random people, of pubs and places I’d never heard of with people going crazy,” he said.
“That’s what I’m here for, to put smiles on people’s faces. And we’ve got a job to do – and part of that job is getting the players ready.”
Since taking over the top job after the 2018 World Cup, Arnold has been an unpopular figure in some circles, and said that regardless of how this tournament finishes up, he’ll need some time to think about his future.
“When you say my contract is up… I’ve seen out four and a half years.
“I look at it that for the first time in four and a half years, I have my future in my own hands and I can do what I want. I will need a break after this, but I’m just here for the next couple of weeks to help the nation help the boys fulfil their dreams.
“Last night, sitting and talking to Harry, Riley McGree, Keanu Baccus, Cam Devlin… we start talking about three-four years ago, in Cambodia with the Olympic team, and the last 15 minutes of that game is walking football and if we didn’t draw that game we wouldn’t have got through and they probably wouldn’t be here today.
“It’s been a fantastic journey but it’s one that is our team identity. Many journeys, one jersey – and the journey’s not finished yet.”
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