Socceroos: Coach Graham Arnold says his players have plenty of improvement in them

Graham Arnold has lauded his Socceroos ‘family’ as they embrace a tough and busy World Cup qualifying challenge in Kuwait City.

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold issued a warning to Australia’s remaining Group B opponents after his side’s comfortable 3-0 win over Kuwait in Friday’s World Cup qualifier.

“That’s only 20 per cent of what you’re going to get from this team – I expect a big improvement from the players,” Arnold said ahead of matches against Chinese Taipei (June 8), Nepal (June 12) and Jordan (June 16).

“At times, (they were) a little bit rusty (against Kuwait), turned over possession a bit easy, but this team is only going to get greater and greater.”

The Socceroos, who have returned to action for the first time since November 2019, top Group B with 15 points from five matches.

They are five clear at the top of their group and in the box seat to progress to the next stage of the Asian Football Confederation 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

But such is the condensed nature of the Socceroos’ current four-game task, Arnold is taking nothing for granted in Kuwait City, where all the remaining Group B games are being played.

“I didn’t bring 31 players here for them to sit up in the grandstand,” he said.

“I haven’t been able to work with the players for 18 months. This is the perfect few weeks to get the boys together to build the team again, to rebuild the team.

“We have a family culture within the Socceroos, that mateship … the boys haven’t seen each other for 18 months, and as soon as they come into camp it took them one day to reconnect.

“We should be proud as a nation with the commitment these boys are giving to play for the nation.”

The Socceroos celebrate Mathew Leckie’s goal against Kuwait. Picture: Yasser Al-Zayyat / AFP

They include Sydney FC defender Ryan McGowan, who was a shock starter against Kuwait after being a late arrival in camp due to his A-League commitments.

McGowan had no hesitation in embracing Arnold selection’s call after key central defender Trent Sainsbury had to withdraw due to back stiffness.

“I’ve got to give a great accolade to Ryan McGowan. He arrived only two days ago. For him to do what he did and play 90 minutes the way that he did was great,” Arnold said.

“I needed players who were 100 per cent fit. I learnt a lot about McGowan’s mentality today. He was fantastic.

“I have a lot of belief in my players and we have a great talented group of players that always want to work hard.”

Arnold said the Socceroos’ recent inactivity meant communication was going to be crucial among the squad in Kuwait City.

“I was harping on at them all week about communication. It’s the most important thing when you’re not playing together regularly,” he said.

“When you have a family together as a team then everything comes back very quickly.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the boys and I expect that the nation is extremely proud of them as well.”

The emergence of some younger and fresher faces at international level, including debutant Fran Karacic and the Socceroos’ man-of-the-match against Kuwait, playmaker Ajdin Hrustic, also filled Arnold with pride.

“Young kids are the strength of the Socceroos. You’ve got to give kids a chance.” Arnold said.

Originally published as Socceroos: Coach Graham Arnold says his players have plenty of improvement in them