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Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has delivered a scathing assessment of the A-League, saying the gap between seasons “destroys” the national teams who are looking to match it with the world’s best.
Arnold will lead the Socceroos to their fifth consecutive World Cup finals later this year, and his first as head coach, after Andrew Redmayne heroics booked their place earlier this year.
While the bizarre penalty antics from the ‘Grey Wiggle’ will never be forgotten, Arnold was the one pulling the strings as Australia recorded a historic upset win over Peru.
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But the two-time A-League winning coach, who also guided the Olyroos to an incredible 2-0 win over Argentina at the Tokyo Olympics, isn’t completely thrilled about his preparation for the World Cup.
With the biggest tournament in world sport less than three months away, Arnold has sensationally said that “can’t possible pick” Australian-based players right now as they’re not match fit.
“The gap in between A-League seasons destroys national teams,” Arnold told Daily Mail Australia.
“Why games aren’t played from April to October or November each year I’ll never understand.
“I would love to be playing regular international friendlies in September and October ahead of Qatar, but the A-League guys aren’t match fit at the moment, so I can’t possibly pick them”.
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The A-League Men season gets underway in just over a week with a Grand Final rematch between Melbourne City and Western United on October 7.
But the competition has one of the longest off-seasons in world football, with Western United having claimed their first title on May 28.
During the off-season, a number of familiar faces have returned to Australia’s shores in a last-ditch attempt to stake their claim for a spot on the plane to Qatar.
Once heralded as a wonder kid of world football, Daniel Arzani has returned to the A-League after signing with Macarthur FC.
While he’s just 23-years-old, Arzani has had a disrupted few years since announcing himself as a talent at the 2018 World Cup.
Arzani was injured on debut for Celtic shortly after leaving the A-League, and struggled to make his mark at the other four European clubs he played for.
Goalkeeper Danny Vukovic has also returned to the A-League, having signed for the Central Coast Mariners after Mark Birighitti left the club.
But while both of these players would have to be in the mix, others may not have enough time to force their way into the World Cup squad.
“I already have a fair idea on who I want, but given it is a World Cup year, the situation isn’t ideal,” he added.
“The FFA (Football Federation Australia) did all they could, bringing the (A-League) season three weeks forward.
“But at international level, all the little things can make a huge difference.”
The Socceroos will kick-off their hopeful charge towards the World Cup round of 16 against defending champions France on November 23, before taking the field again just three days later.
Australia will face Tunisia in what is likely to be a must win clash for both teams, before facing Denmark on December 1.
France are among the favourites to win footballs ultimate prize later this year, as well as Brazil and England.
But while people in the United Kingdom wonder whether it’s coming home or not for the men’s team, Arnold spoke about the advantage that he believes his team has over these bigger football nations.
“We have played five games in Qatar previously – and won all five matches.
“The boys know what to expect in terms of the conditions and local culture… and that could prove to be pivotal.
“You have to train in the heat, and then with the stadiums airconditioned, it takes time to adjust.
“Peru arrived late before they played us, and it was definitely a factor in my eyes in terms of their performance in our World Cup qualifier.
“Don’t be surprised to see some of the bigger nations struggle, the heat can be hard to deal with.”
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