#AFCAsianCup2019 Jordan’s Borkelmans hails experienced Shafi

Al Ain: Jordan coach Vital Borkelmans hailed the performance of veteran goalkeeper Amer Shafi after the 36-year-old played a huge role in his side’s winning start to the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 with victory over defending champions Australia on Sunday.

Shafi, who is representing his country at the tournament for a fourth time after playing in the Finals in 2004, 2011 and 2015, made several important saves as the Socceroos attempted to find a way to cancel out Anas Bani Yaseen’s first half header.

Graham Arnold’s team was unable to claim an equaliser as Jordan held on to record a historic result against the holders, and Borkelmans praised Shafi’s impact, not only between the posts but on the rest of the players in the team.

“It’s his fourth tournament and that’s very special,” said the Belgian, who was appointed to his role in October. “The level he played at and the confidence he gave to the defenders was amazing.

“This confidence is very good and it’s important he gives something to the players of Jordan.

“I think we’ve done something special, but the next game is very important. The other two teams are also special teams and tough games and then maybe we can look to the next round.”

The Jordanians next take on Syria before facing off against Palestine in their final Group B clash and Borkelmans is hoping his players can perform in a similar manner to how they did at Al Ain’s Hazza bin Zayed Stadium to secure a place in the next phase of the competition.

“I’m a guy who played for many years and the confidence I have as a coach I give this to the players,” he said. “You saw my players, they were like they had three lungs and they can run for their country. We must do that every game.

“Every game is a tough game. My Asian Cup started in October and we have worked very hard to be ready for this tournament. A tournament is so special but you must be physically and mentally ready.”

Australia’s defeat was the second time in three tournaments the defending champions had lost their opening game after Iraq succumbed to Iran in their first match in the 2011 edition and Arnold was hoping to learn the lessons from the loss before the Socceroos meet Palestine on Friday.

“When you lose you learn and we’ll go back and look at the footage of it,” he said. “But if you’re going to lose a game then it’s better to lose the first game.

“It’s a wakeup call at the same time, but you have three games in the group and then if you get through to the knockout stage and you lose you go home. It’s more about where we can improve and get over that very quickly, and we will get over it very quickly and move forward.”

The former Sydney FC boss made no excuses for his side’s defeat and praised the performance of the Jordanians.

“Ten out of the 11 went to the World Cup, the only one that really debuted was (Awer) Mabil, who didn’t go to the World Cup,” he said. “I couldn’t really put out a more experienced side who know how to handle these occasions.

“Let’s not take anything away from Jordan, they did a fantastic job, played a great game and full credit to them.”

 

Source : AFC Asian Football Confederation Website

Mathew Leckie to remain with the Socceroos squad

Graham Arnold has confirmed that Hertha BSC attacker Mathew Leckie will remain with the Australian squad at the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019™ after making great progress on his hamstring injury with the help and guidance of the Socceroos’ medical team over the past ten days. 

Leckie was one of the first players to arrive in camp in the United Arab Emirates, and together with the Socceroos’ medical team and coaching staff, quickly put a plan in place to achieve progress on his injury.

Australia’s staff, led by Head Coach Graham Arnold, are confident that Leckie will be able to play an important role for the Socceroos at the tournament.

Leckie said: “First and foremost I had to get the scan done to see if there was a chance [to play to the tournament] and once there was I was straight over here and sat down with the physios, with ‘Colesy’ [Phil Coles], and set up a plan going forward. We are working really hard with the training sessions, taking it step by step, not rushing things, and so far the progress has been great.”

“I haven’t really torn a muscle like this in my hamstring, at least this bad, before. So, the process is all new to me. It started off just jogging and seeing how it goes and there’s improvements and the pain is going away. We are up to a pretty good [running] speed now, 25 kilometres an hour, a few run throughs and change of direction. It is just taking it day by day and stepping it up with sharper exercises, more speed.”

“I am very thankful that they [the coaching staff] have given me the opportunity. It is a decision that they had to make, and I am sure that it is not an easy one. I am blessed to have the opportunity and I will be giving everything to be back.”

The Socceroos will commence their AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019™ campaign against Jordan at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain on Sunday, 6 January 2019. Kick-off is at 3pm (local time), 10pm (AEDT).

Source : Socceroos Website

#TerçaDetremuraSDV Graham Arnold expecting Caltex Socceroos of 2019 to raise game

Graham Arnold expects his new-look Caltex Socceroos to raise the level when their AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019™ campaign commences in just over a weeks’ time.

The Caltex Socceroos enter the tournament as defending Champions, however with 15 players set to participate in the AFC Asian Cup for the first time few comparisons can be made between the team that won the title on home soil in 2015, and the squad set to represent the green and gold on Asia’s premier stage in the United Arab Emirates.“We had a good chat yesterday to the players about the last tournament… it was a great memory for the Australian public,” he said.

“[But] that’s past, that’s history. It’s all about this tournament and where we go from here as a group.

“Some of those players are now leaders of the pack and leaders of those younger boys.

“I expect a lot of players will stand up at this tournament and show their worth.

“They’re all fighting and fit and they’ve done a great job in those last three camps but I do know that they’ve got so much more in them.

“We’re functioning only at the moment at about 45 per cent and there’s a lot more to go so it’s up to me to get the best out of those players and raise the level even more.”Australia’s title defence starts against Jordan on Sunday, 6 January 10.00pm AEDT, but all eyes are now on a friendly clash with Oman this Sunday evening.

Taking place in Dubai, the match looms as one final hit out before the Caltex Socceroos kick off their campaign – and one in which Arnold anticipates the arrival of some tough, last minute selection headaches.

“I can see probably that nearly all the players will get 45-60 minutes and give me headaches for the first game,” he continued.

“We’ve got a great squad here with a lot of young players and a lot of energy and when you have that it makes the older players lift their game as well.

“I have 100 per cent belief and trust in whoever I put out on the pitch will do a great job for us,” he said.

 

Source : Socceroos Website

Arnold with a plan to end goalscoring worries

Thursday, July 12, 2018

Kuala Lumpur: Australia’s new head coach Graham Arnold will lead the Socceroos to defend their AFC Asian Cup title, believing that he can end their goalscoring woes on the back of an early exit from the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.

Australia suffered defeats against France and Peru, and drew 1-1 with Peru, ending their Russia 2018 campaign at the bottom of Group C.

Replacing Bert van Marwijk immediately after the World Cup, Arnold anticipates a better performance now that he is at the helm for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup next January in the United Arab Emirates, revealing that he would first tackle the psychology of his players.

“A lot of it these days is about the mind and what the mind tells you,” said the former Sydney FC head coach.

“I think that’s the big improvement that you’ve seen in England. A lot of the top sides now use sports psychologists for the players; there’s a lot of negativity in social media around players and what they read. It can affect people.”

The 54-year-old former Socceroos international, remains confident of the Australian talent on the pitch saying: “I just think that there’s a lot of talk that we don’t score goals, I think we’ve got the players there, but then it’s about the belief and backing yourself and giving yourself the opportunity to make a big impact.”

Arnold, who witnessed Australia’s performance in Russia, further revealed that his charges would focus on a possession-based game.

“Maintaining possession and making the opposition work – obviously the ball never gets tired – is something that is shown especially with the bigger team, the higher teams, it’s a great tactic for them.”

Australia are in Group B at the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 along with Jordan, Palestine and Syria. They open their campaign on January 6 against Jordan.

Photo: AFP

 

Source :  Asian Football Confederation Website

Graham Arnold to remain in Hyundai A-League with Sydney FC

Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold has confirmed he will remain in charge of the Hyundai A-League champions for at least the remainder of the current season.

In a club statement on Monday night, the two-time Grand Final winner ruled himself out of contention to replace Ange Postecoglou at the helm of the Caltex Socceroos.

“I am committed to Sydney FC and 100% focused on seeing out this season and winning two more trophies for this great club,” Arnold said.

“I can confirm I will not be coaching the Socceroos in Russia.”

Sky Blues chairman Scott Barlow said the club is determined to challenge for more silverware domestically and in the AFC Champions League.

“Graham will be our Head Coach here at Sydney FC until at least the end of this season,” Barlow said.

“Beyond that, we look forward to continuing our discussions about our long-term plans together.

“Everyone at the club is focused on winning back to back A-League titles and embarking on our most successful Asian Champions League campaign ever.”

BREAKING | Sydney FC statement on Head Coach Graham Arnold – https://t.co/TzMfdkjCaL #SydneyIsSkyBlue pic.twitter.com/4j9I0hGHof

— Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) January 22, 2018

 

Source : Socceroos WEBSITE

Caltex Socceroos keeper opens up on Ange, Arnie

Australia’s number one and Premier League goalkeeper Mat Ryan has endorsed the coaching credentials of Graham Arnold as the search continues for the next Caltex Socceroos coach.

Former Caltex Socceroos legends Mark Bresciano, Stan Lazaridis and Mark Schwarzer are among a selection panel that will identify a coach to lead Australia to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

And Arnold is reportedly one of the candidates to take the reins.

The Sydney FC boss has enjoyed some tremendous success in the Hyundai A-League in recent years, guiding Central Coast Mariners to the 2013 title, while he’s won all three major trophies with the Sky Blues in 2017.

Arnold also gave Ryan his professional debut in 2010 and the Brighton custodian has backed “Arnie” to do a great job for the national team if he was to get the job.

“He’s someone I have a lot of respect for and someone I have had a lot of experience with and great times with,” the Brighton and Hove Albion gloveman told Omnisport.

“He’s proven time and time again he’s a successful coach. He’s got plenty of trophies in his cabinet.

“If it’s meant to be that he is the coach, he’s definitely someone I’d love to be representing Australia under. Anything can happen in football.

“If Arnie took over then I think he’d do a great job for our country.”

Mat Ryan celebrates winning the Hyundai A-League title with the Mariners in 2013.

Ryan is expected to be first-choice at his second straight FIFA World Cup after former boss Ange Postecoglou entrusted him with the number one position as a 22-year-old in Brazil in 2014.

While confident the team can adapt to whatever is asked of them, the 41-time international hopes Postecoglou’s attack-minded legacy will last into a new era.

“I was very much into his philosophy of not fearing any opposition, proving that Australia is more than just a hard-working team that fights to the end,” Ryan said.

“He wanted to change the perception that Australia isn’t a football nation, that we can play attractive football.

“He didn’t fear any opposition, whether it was Tajikistan or Kyrgyzstan, or Germany or Holland, we went in with a similar approach, not changing philosophy. Fear factor was evident under Ange, no excuses.”

 

Source :  Socceroos WEBSITE

Graham Arnold vow after dramatic title victory for Sydney FC

Sydney FC claimed a pulsating Hyundai A-League Grand Final with a 4-2 penalty shootout win over Melbourne Victory.

Sunday, 7 May 2017 –

Michael Huguenin

Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold has challenged his Hyundai A-League double-winning side to defend their championship next season after they overcame Melbourne Victory in Sunday’s 2017 Grand Final.

The Sky Blues needed penalties to eventually dispose of Victory at Allianz Stadium on Sunday after the game finished at 1-1 through 120 minutes, with Milos Ninkovic converting the decisive spot-kick for the home side.

 

While Victory lead in regulation time and edged ahead in the shootout as well, Sydney recovered twice – mirroring two come-from-behind wins over Kevin Muscat’s side in the regulation season – to add the championship trophy to their Premier’s Plate success.

Arnold insisted he remained calm when Besart Berisha fired the visitors in front in the first half, and when Sydney defender Alex Wilkinson was the first to miss his penalty.

Victory captain Carl Valeri struck the bar soon after, while Sydney goalkeeper Danny Vukovic saved Marco Rojas’ spot-kick just before Ninkovic ended the contest.

“I just still believed that justice was going to happen, and we deserved it,” Arnold said at his post-match press conference.

Sydney broke a raft of records this season and claiming the championship cements them as the best team in A-League history in a single campaign.

When asked what the Sky Blues can do in 2017-18, Arnold said: “Do it again next year. When you win the league by 17 points, you’ve got to be pretty confident [the next season].

“The thing is I’m never happy.

“Like, I’m happy that we’ve done everything but next year I need to raise the standards even more.

“I think we can go higher, I think we can get better.”

In a very physical contest, Victory had the better of the first half and Arnold claimed his team strayed from his preferred style before the main interval.

“Once I got them in at half-time, we just talked about being brave to play,” he said.

“You know, I thought first half we didn’t play our way. We ended up playing a game of kick-and-rush and fighting for the second ball, and when you have the quality of players like Ninkovic and [Alex] Brosque – that’s not their type of game.

“So at half-time I basically said to them, I’d rather lose than not play our way, the way we’ve played all season, the way we’ve created history.”

Arnold was clearly happy but also relieved to have secured a championship many had considered a fait accompli for the Harbour City club.

The 53-year-old, who has now won two A-League premierships and two championships, called for more recognition of the former title after Victory went so close to an upset in the final match of the campaign.

“We know how the Australian model works. I think the fact that we’ve won the league by 17 points and so convincingly that it’s created debate, whether the premiership needs to be rewarded even more,” he said.

“You know, the premiership – you win it and you don’t get a medal, you don’t get nothing [except for the Premier’s Plate]. It’s like you’ve played 27 rounds for nothing.

“The Australian way is all about the grand final, that’s the main thing and it was good just to finish it off.”

 

Source : Football Federation Australia

Graham Arnold and Kevin Muscat final words before battle?

It all leads up to this. All the hard work’s been done, all the preparation finalised. Blotting out the white noise of the build-up, the final words of each coach will be pivotal.

But what will Graham Arnold and Kevin Muscat say in those last moments on Sunday before the Hyundai A-League Grand Final 2017?
Just before the two teams power up their final bro handshakes, walk out the dressing room door, down the tunnel and onto the pitch, we predict the tone and substance of each coach’s final address.

GRAHAM ARNOLD’S FINAL WORDS

www.a-league.com.au writer Jason Pine puts himself into Arnie’s mind to predict his final words before the Sky Blues walk out onto Allianz this Sunday.

“Alright boys, here we are.

Round 29.

Everything we’ve done in the last 40 weeks has brought us to here.

Everything we’ve worked for, every day we’ve trained, every mile we’ve travelled.

It’s got us to the verge of something special.

So I don’t want you to change anything today.

Don’t change a thing.

Everything we have done up till now has worked.

I want you to trust in those things one more time.
Believe in those things and in each other … and we will win this game.

Let’s start well … make the first pass stick … win your personal battles nice and early.

Now get out there and show those fans what a champion team looks like.”

KEVIN MUSCAT’S FINAL WORDS

www.a-league.com.au managing editor Aidan Ormond gets inside Musky’s head to predict his final words in the huddle before the Big V head out to battle at Allianz on Sunday.

[Looks around at the huddle, pauses then says…]

“Boys, what is this football club built on?

The answer to that is success.

It’s in our DNA. It’s our culture.

That’s why we’ve won three grand finals.

And that’s why we’ll win our fourth today.

And as look at you now, I only see winners.

Berisha’s focus on Victory, not Sydney FC

Look at Bes… he’s a winner.

Look at Carlo, he’s a winner.

Look around you.

Big personalities. Winners.

If you’re tired late in the game, if you can’t track back, or press, just remember how you’d feel if they won. Just remember that.

But that’s not going to happen.

Why?

Because our pride is stronger than their arrogance.

They think they’ve won it already.

And the pressure’s on them, not us

So, enjoy it.

Make history.

For yourself, your families and this football club.

Be aggressive in everything you do, but control your aggression.

And win your personal battles.

You know the game plan.

And because you’ll stick to the game plan… [pauses for effect]… We. Will. Win.

Because we’re Melbourne Victory. It. Is. Who. We. Are…”

Source : Football Federation Australia

Graham Arnold will go up against Jurgen Klopp when Sydney FC takes on Liverpool at ANZ Stadium in May

The charismatic Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is on his way to Sydney when his English Premier League entertainers Liverpool face Hyundai A-League powerhouse Sydney FC next month.

In huge news, Liverpool will play in Sydney for the first time when they face the Sky Blues on May 24 at ANZ Stadium in a friendly.

 

Though it’s not the first time Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold has faced EPL opposition coaches.

In recent seasons, Arnie has coached against Jose Mourinho (then at Chelsea) and Mauricio Pochettino of Spurs.

And in both games, Sydney FC made a good account of themselves. Can Arnie pull off the biggest win of his career?

The good news is Sydney FC is likely to play in the Hyundai A-League Grand Final on May 7.

This will keep them in good physical shape for the game 17 days later to face a Liverpool team that will have flown around the world immediately after their final game of the EPL season on Sunday May 21 at home to Middlesbrough.

The Reds will dash off straight after the game with perhaps a spot in next season’s Champions League wrapped up.

But with an expected 80,000 crowd waiting for them, any jet lag and fatigue may be forgotten on what should be a fabulous night in Sydney.

And with Klopp’s press conference in Sydney likely to dominate the media, expect Sydney to turn red for a few days as Liverpool fever well and truly hits the Harbour City.

Wherever you are, do not miss this as the first part of an EPL extravaganza in Sydney as Arsenal prepare to face the Sky Blues and Wanderers at the same venue in July.

General public tickets will go on sale at 11am Wednesday (AEST) at www.ticketek.com.au

Members of the Football Family will receive an exclusive code tomorrow [Tuesday] morning ahead of the Football Family pre-sale from 2.00pm on Tuesday 11 April to 9.00am Wednesday 12 April.

Sign up to the Football Family today to receive your code: bit.ly/FootballFamily

Source : Football Federation Australia

 

‘Sydney FC can be Manchester United of Oz’: Graham Arnold

Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold says his vision of turning the Hyundai A-League leaders into the “Manchester United of Australia” is right on track.

Speaking following his re-signing for a further two seasons with the undefeated A-League leaders, the Sydney FC boss was in a bullish mood when discussing his ambition for the club.

“When I first came to this club two-and-a-half-years ago I wanted this club to be the Manchester United of Australia and I think we’re getting there,” Arnold told reporters.

 

“We’re 60-70 per cent of our journey and that journey will continue. I have all the confidence in what we’re doing that we will not only win the championship but we’ll be one of the top clubs in Asia.”

It’s not the first time Arnold has looked to the EPL for inspiration with the coach challenging his squad to match the exploits of Arsenal’s “Invincibles” by going through the season undefeated.

Hear from Head Coach Graham Arnold following his re-signing for a further two years with the Sky Blues… #SydneyIsSkyBlue pic.twitter.com/AqtfAjs7cB

— Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) December 20, 2016

With Sydney FC still unbeaten nearing the halfway point in the campaign that dream remains very much alive but the ultimate goal remains the double this season.

“We want to do big things at this club and reward not only the board and owners with success but also our wonderful fans that support us every week,” said Arnold.

“Six years is a long time for the fantastic fans that we’ve got and Sydney’s the biggest city in the country.

“So it’s a dream of mine to hand that trophy to Scott [Barlow, Sydney FC Chairman] and to the board and the fans.

 

“We want to win the Premiership and the Championship and that’s what we’re striving for at the moment.”

The league leaders’ next challenge will come against the club that achieved that history-making feat last season. The Sky Blue tackle the Reds on Boxing Day at Coopers Stadium.

While happy to make bold predictions about the future Arnold was careful not to be overconfident heading into the clash despite the sides occupying opposite ends of the ladder.

Perhaps with good reason – Sydney have only won one of their last 11 clashes against the Reds and haven’t won in Adelaide since February 2012.

 

“We’ve had a great start to the competition. We’ve got a fantastic group of players; I’ve got a fantastic staff, that was a big point [in re-signing].

“The boys are hungry and for me the extension is an honour, it’s a privilege but for me the most important thing is next week [against Adelaide].”

 

Football Federation Australia