"I gave them a rocket about it at half-time, I told them to put their foot through the ball if they have to. There was a lack of discipline, we got ourselves into trouble, and it's not good enough. It [the scoreline] could have been 10-4. I'm not happy with the defensive side of things, that's for sure. That's going to be the focus of the week, and it will be fixed."
At last we've got a quote that sounds honest. I hate a cliché as much as the next person. I cringe at the 'backs to the wall', 'dug deep', 'full credit to the boys' and 'we’re looking forward to next week' clichés. Graham Arnold has always been a straight shooter. If there was anyone in the Socceroos that gave it to you straight it was Arnie. Give him half a chance and he'd take the micky out of you in such a way that was funny but which left you in no way uncertain as to what he meant.
I’ve always thought that Arnold’s tenure as a coach of the national team would be short and it will. The FFA has told him of his short-term future as the coach as in, there is none. Look at the number of players that took a rest after the long season. Admittedly there was good reason for the absentees but it didn't really suggest a lot of respect or urgency to prepare for the Asian Cup.
As a player Graham Arnold would never decline the offer to play for the Socceroos, no matter what the circumstances, no matter who the opponent. He had many reasons to do so including a bruised body and mind but he didn't. That is the difference.
Graham Arnold knows how much this competition means to Australia. He knows that the importance of this competition is equal to that of the World Cup. Whilst there is no prize money for winning the AFC Asian Cup, there is money for the development of the game in this country. There are also the benefits that come with being recognized as the best in Asia.
No longer can we accept the under dog tag as we did in Graham Arnold's day and Arnie knows it. We/he is chartering new waters and he knows only to well the importance of success.
His comments (especially the last 4 words of his quote) reflect the man - passionate, determined, focused, knowledgeable and above all, proud.
If we play with the intelligence, passion, commitment and above all the pride with which Arnie played, we'll be drinking Champagne out of that cup come July 29.