National coach Graham Arnold’s wish for matches has been granted by Football Federation Australia

A lack of matches nearly led to Graham Arnold quitting as Socceroos and Olyroos coach last month. FFA have acted on it.

Olyroos goalkeeper Thomas Glover rises high during the Olympic Games qualifying tournament.

Football Federation Australia have acted on national coach Graham Arnold’s frustrations over a lack of games by organising two friendlies for the Olyroos against A-League opposition.

Arnold was close to walking away from his roles as Socceroos and Olyroos coach after receiving a lucrative offer from Korean side FC Seoul.

A lack of activity this year, largely due to COVID-19, has left Arnold frustrated and desperate for matches.

FFA have finally come to the party, with the Olyroos kick-starting their preparations for next year’s Tokyo Olympics with games at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium against A-League champions Sydney FC (November 12) and competition newcomers Macarthur FC (November 17).

Our Australia U-23 men's team will be playing two friendlies against @ALeague sides @SydneyFC and @mfcbulls this November!

— Socceroos (@Socceroos) November 4, 2020

“It is great that we will be assembling a representative squad in the November FIFA window,” Arnold said.

“The window will enable our coaches and staff to reconnect with some of Australia’s best under 23 players, and revisit some of the work that we did in January this year when we secured qualification for Tokyo in Thailand.

“The players and staff are itching to return to the national team set-up and this camp, as well as the games against Sydney FC and Macarthur FC, will provide everyone involved with the opportunity to put their best foot forward as we resume our preparations for Tokyo.

“We are working to finalise the squad for the window and continue to liaise with authorities to seek exemptions for affected players to travel from states with border restrictions to ensure that we can assemble a squad from all over the country.

“While this squad will be an entirely domestic-based selection, we are closely monitoring our players abroad and hope to be able to provide those players with an opportunity to gather in the first few months of 2021.”

How good is that!!
pic.twitter.com/YEwWa9QT37

— Joe D'agostino (@JoeDagostino4) January 25, 2020

FFA chief executive officer James Johnson said would be welcomed by the football community.

“The matches will provide a much-needed opportunity for our players to secure valuable match minutes against high quality opposition.

“We are grateful for the support of Macarthur FC and Sydney FC as we look to prepare our team for the Tokyo Olympics next year, and we are determined to create more opportunities for our national teams to play fixtures on home soil.

“With the A-League set to resume next month, this will be a great opportunity for fans to watch two high-level games featuring some of the best male players in the country, the reigning A-League premiers and champions, and the competition’s newest club.”