Search

show me:

Revamped Socceroos ready for Kuwait test

3 minute read

Graham Arnold says the Socceroos' upcoming World Cup qualifier against Kuwait shapes as an opportunity for some inexperienced players to step up.

Sydney FC coach GRAHAM ARNOLD looks on during the A-League match between Sydney FC and the Central Coast Mariners at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, Australia.
Sydney FC coach GRAHAM ARNOLD looks on during the A-League match between Sydney FC and the Central Coast Mariners at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, Australia. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold says Australia's upcoming World Cup qualifier against Kuwait shapes as an opportunity to test out a fresh group of players.

The Socceroos are currently training in the United Arab Emirates as they prepare for the opening game of their qualifying campaign for Qatar 2022.

"I've been a year in the job and I've learnt a lot along the way with the players that we've got about the characters and the attitudes," Arnold said.

"You see them regularly playing and you can see what they can do technically and tactically and physically but it's not until you work with people that you can work out and see what their mentality's like and I do believe we've got a great group of boys now.

"We've reduced the age group from I think it was 31, 32 in Russia down to 26, 27.

"So it's an exciting time for a lot of inexperienced boys but also for the experienced boys to step up as leaders."

Arnold said he had selected a squad with an emphasis on players who were playing regularly and in good form for their clubs - with the likes of Brandon Borrello and Harry Soutar earning call-ups.

"I've been in the job for a year and it's been more of a transitional period this past year with the retirements of Timmy Cahill and Mile Jedinak and some of the older players moving on," Arnold said.

"And it's just been it's about players getting match minutes and we can't control their fitness levels when they come into camp - you get what you've got - we only have a couple of days of preparation with the tactical side of the game.

"So for me a lot of it's about the mentality and making sure that the communication's right for the players and the players are in a good space in club land.

"And that was a major factor of the 23 players that I've picked for this first game is in and around who's playing and who's ready for that opportunity."

Arnold said he believed a number of players had benefited from being given a break in June.

"The boys are in great shape, they look fantastic," he said.

"I do believe one of the better things we've done is we gave those players a break in June to have a holiday.

"And for a lot of them it was their first holiday in four years and you can actually see the freshness in their faces."

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au