Olyroos boss Graham Arnold understands A-League clubs anger at losing players to Olympic qualifiers
Olyroos boss Graham Arnold has defended the move to take 16 players out of the A-League, warning that underachievement by Australia’s youth teams is becoming endemic.
Olyroos boss Graham Arnold has defended taking 16 players out of the A-League this weekend, warning that underachievement by Australia’s youth teams is becoming endemic as he bids to plot a path to the 2020 Olympics.
A squad of 24 players, two thirds of them from the A-League, are preparing in Malaysia this week for a three-match Olympic qualifying tournament over five days starting next Saturday in Cambodia, amid intense heat and humidity.
The Olyroos have to finish top of their group, or as one of the best four from 11 runners-up, to make the final round of Olympic qualifying.
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Arnold came under fire from Melbourne Victory boss Kevin Muscat for calling up Victory fullback Thomas Deng, but Arnold insisted he had tried to balance the needs of the clubs in choosing his squad, most of whom have never played together before.
“I’m thankful to the clubs and understanding of their situation, but I felt the best way of giving these kids the chance to be Olympians was by asking their clubs to let them miss one game extra so we can train for a week in 38C and intense humidity,” Arnold said.
“I felt for Ernie Merrick most of all, losing three starting players at the Jets, but without this preparation it would be an even harder challenge to make it through.
“We weren’t seeded for the groups, and when you consider we’ve qualified for only five out of the last 14 junior national team tournaments, we have to do well in this campaign.”
The final round of Olympic qualifying next year runs for most of January, and Arnold said player availability needs to be tackled by the clubs and FFA.
“I’ve had a Sydney FC and Mariners hat on in the past and I understand their frustration,” he said. “But this situation isn’t going to change because our competition doesn’t align with Asia.
“If we get through this round, the next round of qualifying is the whole of January next year, and these issues will go on.
“We need to have a conversation to address it.”
Babbel bemoans ‘disastrous’ Olyroos impact
By Emma Kemp
Markus Babbel has broadened his criticism at losing three players to the Olyroos, branding it a disaster for Western Sydney and detrimental to Australian soccer.
The Wanderers will play Wellington away on Sunday without midfielder Keanu Baccus, attacker Abraham Majok and defender Tass Mourdoukoutas, all away on a week-long camp in Malaysia.
Babbel said the sacrifice, one acknowledged by Olyroos coach Graham Arnold, would stop A-League coaches selecting young players, which in turn would hinder the country’s development process.
The camp including two friendlies is critical to preparation for crucial pre-Olympic qualifiers starting in Cambodia next week.
But Babbel, used to losing players only within official FIFA international breaks, found the concept ludicrous.
“For us it is a disaster and also a new experience for me,” Babbel said.
“We try to bring young players in the A-League and the thanks from the league is they take the players away.
“You want to see young players in the A-League but you have to think twice next time if we bring so many young players here in because there is a period there where we can’t use them.
“This is not good for the clubs and also I think not good for the national team.”
Babbel believes Western Sydney midfielders Jordan O’Doherty and Marc Tokich would also have been selected by Arnold if both weren’t injured.
The timing is not ideal for the eighth-placed Wanderers, who have picked up 10 points from a possible 12 in their last four games to keep their slim top six hopes alive.
As has been the case all season, injuries continue to plague Babbel’s men.
Striker Mark Bridge is doubtful after suffering “problems with his muscle” after two bench appearances following a long absence.
Nick Fitzgerald could yet take his place if he can prove his fitness while Rashid Mahazi and Giancarlo Gallifuoco are poised to start.
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