Graham Arnold to take charge of Australia after World Cup
Thursday 8 March 2018 08:39, UK
Graham Arnold will succeed Dutchman Bert van Marwijk as Australia coach after this year’s World Cup in Russia.
The Sydney FC coach returns for a second spell in charge of the national team, having previously held the role for a year after Guus Hiddink stepped down after the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Graham will first attempt to guide Sydney FC to consecutive A-League titles before leaving at the end of the season in May to start a four-year spell with the Socceroos.
"It is a very great honour to coach your national team," said Arnold, who scored 19 goals in 56 as a player for Australia in the 1980s and 90s.
"It's a job I have always been interested in doing and I believe the timing is perfect for me.
"After today I won't be saying any more about the Socceroos until after the World Cup out of respect for Sydney FC and out of respect for Bert van Marwijk.
"I said at the time that I thought he was a great appointment to lead the Socceroos in Russia and everything he has done since has reinforced that view.
"I won't be getting under his feet but I will be cheering him and the team on from the stands."
Arnold's first task will be to try and guide Australia to a successful defence of their Asian Cup title in the United Arab Emirates in January.
He was in charge of Australia when they were knocked out of the same competition at the quarter-final stage in 2007.
