Four years is a long time in football, and the distant memory of Australia claiming their debut continental triumph on home turf feels like an eternity ago, given what has followed. While the personnel can still be identified, the changes in managerial structures, with a distinct old vs. new comparison being the hot topic of the day, is this team to be treated as a side in transition, or can it lay claim for successive Asian Cup titles?
The end of the Ange Postecoglou reign upon qualification for the World Cup in Russia brought with it a feeling of emptiness. The progress in style was clear to see, but ultimately the results weren’t in tune. Failing to meet the end of his brief over the summer, Postecoglou robbed himself the chance of putting his tenure to the test. What instead materialised was a watered down after-thought, adequately handled by interim boss Bert van Marwijk, but little more than that. Australia let Asia down, in a tournament where their peers achieved notable gains.
As we enter a new cycle, Graham Arnold, who despite only taking charge of three matches to date, can hardly suggest he’s a fresh face to the role. Into his second spell as Socceroos head coach, his appointment was confirmed at the start of the year. He’s had enough time to ponder and extract the way forward, and to demonstrate this over to the players, in three separate international window training camps.
It remains a question mark however, of what if anything majorly different has Arnold changed from van Marwijk, or Postecoglou before him. He stated upon his appointment, that he’d produce a holistic approach between those before him, seeking to appease both sides of the Ange hero or zero debate. From the first few internationals played, there have been slight differences, but in the main the hallmarks remain as they were.
The criticism from the World Cup surrounded the positivity of the team, something Arnold can quickly change up a gear given the drop in quality of their opponents at the Asian Cup. The personnel question marks have been easily answered too; Mile Jedinak’s retirement, allows Massimo Luongo the chance of starting in the heart of the midfield, which was disappointing not to have been utilised in Russia, while the calls for wonderkid Daniel Arzani to start have been dashed for now due to injury. His ready-made excuses are in, he has little to change in that regard, but is there anything he can truly influence?
One area he, unlike those before him can’t hide from, is the centre forward debate. Tim Cahill’s international retirement was gleefully celebrated by many after Australia’s exit from the World Cup, yet his goals have clearly been the catalyst in keeping the Socceroos ticking along over the last four years. Even the more technical, pace orientated ideology stressed by Postecogloiu, relied upon Cahill to bail them out upon occasion.
In his place, the options remain second rate, a point highlighted by Arnold’s assistant Rene Meulensteen in the build-up; stressing a greater significance on goals scored from across the pitch, rather than signalling out a number 9 for pressure. With Tomi Juric left out altogether, the repositioning of Mat Leckie is probably the most likely selection, given his movement and pace to stretch defences. Alternatively, Andrew Nabbout offers a physical option in counter attacking situations or Jamie Maclaren as a pure penalty box poacher.
A further option, emerging as Arnold’s first “discovery” is Martin Boyle. The Scottish born winger-come-forward, who hadn’t set foot in Australia until his home debut in November, scored twice against Lebanon, illustrating pace, ingenuity and courage to lead the line. While he’ll likely take up a support attacking role, his movement off a static focal point could be the regular way forward under Arnold.
Centre midfield looks to be another area where we’ll see noticeable change. Jedinak’s retirement is a sea change, in Australian football of old, and his direct replacement of Massimo Luongo, looks to come at the right time, given his successful stint at the last Asian Cup. The fitness concerns of Aaron Mooy provides a hammer blow to the style of play they’ve demonstrated recently, the metronomic midfielder may have made the initial squad cut, but initial scans allude to the player’s extended absence for the duration of the tournament.
With that in mind, a new style of play may be introduced, a concept Postecgloiu struggled to implement away from Australia. Regularly through qualification, and at a home Asian Cup, the Socceroos had a clear identity, yet away from home, in qualification and in World & Confederations Cup campaigns, the symbolism felt lost.
Coming up against Jordan (a side they lost to in Amman at the start of qualification) and Syria (the team they only scraped through against in the World Cup playoffs) early at the Asian Cup will give cause for concern. Australia are the side everyone will look to shoot down. Despite being in transition there will be an expectation that they’re the team to beat.
That brings us round to the finer point; what is truly expected of this Australia side? Under Postecoglou, it was criticised that fans desired the unrealistic; to dominate Asia, and to make competing on the World stage their priority. Will such an easy ride be expected in the UAE, or is there a realistic thought, that 2022 is the long-term goal? Arnold, who’s taken up the tandem role of U23 Head Coach along the way to the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 has shouldered a large responsibility within the fabric of Australia’s national football. It will be an interesting moment, if Australia were to perceptibly fail in the Emirates come January, how would the fans and FFA react?
Key Men
Head Coach - Graham Arnold
Former domestic title winning coach of Central Coast Mariners and Sydney FC, with a no-nonsense reputation takes up the role of Australian manager for the second time in his career. Seen as the antithesis of Asian Cup winning coach Ange Postecoglou, “Arnie” is sometimes labelled as a defensively minded coach with little flexibility. Is the father in law to first choice Australian centre back Trent Sainsbury.
Star Player - Mat Leckie
Having gone under the radar for much of his career, Leckie’s place as one of the Socceroos most essential outlets was all to see in Russia. Impressive speed and industry to offer an easy out ball, but also has the tenacity to win possession back, often in the opposition third. After a sluggish start to the season, has been in excellent form for Hertha Berlin on the run up to the Asian Cup.
Under Pressure - Robbie Kruse
Regularly cited as Australia’s weak link yet continues to find favour under every national team coach. An integral team player, who may lack an individual edge or sustained output, but suits the team balance. With Daniel Arzani ruled out through injury, Kruse’s place remains his to lose, but the pressure will undoubtedly remain.
Young Prospect - Chris Ikonomidis
A revelation in Perth Glory’s impressive start to the domestic season, the central or wide forward has finally lived up to the billing after years of failed loan moves whilst on the books of Lazio. Offers industry, speed and artistry in the final third, whilst also demonstrating a perfect foil to a lone front man, with his impressive partnership with Richard Keogh at club level.
No comments:
Post a Comment