Graham Arnold is about to steer the Socceroos via to the tip of the 2026 World Cup marketing campaign, capping off his spectacular turnaround in fortunes with a brand new long-term value a reported $6m.
Soccer Australia confirmed Arnold’s new four-year contract on Monday morning.
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A choice on whether or not the 59-year-old would proceed as coach had all the time been as much as Arnold, given Australia’s stellar marketing campaign at Qatar 2022, with little doubt the FA would supply him a brand new contract.
The brand new four-year contract completes a unprecedented turnaround for Arnold, who was virtually sacked in March and survived by the pores and skin of his tooth as Australia’s qualification marketing campaign for the 2022 event stumbled.
“I like Australia and I like Australian soccer, and nothing in soccer can ever match the elation, delight and sense of accomplishment, I and your complete set-up felt in Qatar,” Arnold mentioned in an announcement.
“The starvation to proceed within the position has by no means been stronger and I do know I’ve extra to offer to the Socceroos’ program and Australian soccer, the place I wish to ship extra smiles for our followers as we did in Qatar.
“I strategy the following 4 years with a clear sheet, which is underpinned by a burning ambition to supply extra alternatives to our main rising and established expertise, while difficult for main titles beginning with the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar subsequent yr.”
The Socceroos completed third of their group and needed to qualify through the play-offs relatively than reaching the World Cup instantly.
However whereas assist elsewhere wavered, Arnold by no means misplaced the backing of his gamers, and that solidified after the good World Cup marketing campaign.
In Qatar, the Socceroos gained two video games at a World Cup for the primary time and superior to the spherical of 16 for less than the second event.
They beat Tunisia and Denmark, with their solely losses coming towards champions Argentina within the spherical of 16 and runners-up France within the group stage.
“He is the principle motive why we have now such a very good tradition within the group,” gun ahead Mathew Leckie mentioned in December.
“And though perhaps over the past six months there was numerous destructive speak about if he is the best man for the job, I feel he proved that and he deserves it.”
FA had dedicated to not strategy different candidates till that they had a solution from Arnold.
He will probably be entrusted with taking ahead a plethora of younger proficient gamers at his disposal, together with the likes of Garang Kuol, Harry Souttar, Marco Tilio, Riley McGree and Keanu Baccus.
Arnold, who began the position after the 2018 World Cup, had been given time to contemplate his future after an arduous qualifying marketing campaign and event.
That included spending time in hubs and lodge quarantine, whereas he additionally contracted COVID-19 twice.
Arnold’s agent Tony Rallis advised Information Corp discussions have been “going properly” however would not verify the deal had been signed off.
The 2026 World Cup, to happen in Canada, Mexico and the USA, will probably be expanded to 48 groups.
Arnold’s remit would additionally embrace the following Asian Cup in Qatar, prone to be held in early 2024, when he’ll eye redemption for a quarter-final exit in 2019.
