The Serve

Arnold: I am not in the running for Socceroos job

Former Socceroos coach Graham Arnold says he is no chance of being re-appointed to the national post, despite the job remaining vacant less than three months from Australia’s first World Cup qualifier.

The position was to be filled by Dutchman Dick Advocaat, who suddenly turned his back on the post on the weekend he was to be unveiled as Australia’s new manager. The Football Federation will have to start its search again, with time the enemy. Arnold is adamant the spot will still go to an overseas coach, even given the time constraints.

“That’s been the message that’s been painted clearly. Mr. Lowy has been open and honest with me from day one, when he gave me the interim role for a year and a half,” Arnold told MMM Radio.

Arnold is currently coaching the Olyroos, who face off with Iraq tonight in Gosford with an Olympics spot on the line. When it was suggested to him that circumstances may dictate Arnold resume his position with the senior team, he was diplomatic.

“I’ve really enjoyed really working with these kids (Olyroos), at the moment my focus is on qualifying.”

Arnold, who endured a difficult Asian Cup in which the Socceroos were knocked out at the quarter final stage, is adamant that whoever steps in needs to have experience in Asia.

“The person that they do need to get is someone (who can) move in quickly, and in my view have knowledge of Asia. Asia is a totally different part of the world, compared to South American or European football.”