Graham Arnold hits back critics as Socceroos defeat Tunisia

Graham Arnold had a simple message for his critics after the Socceroos had a remarkable win at the World Cup in Qatar.

After a crushing 4-1 loss to France in the opening game, the Socceroos defeated Tunisia 1-0 to keep the dream alive in Qatar.

That loss to France led to knives coming out for the Socceroos coach.

It’s not a new thing.

Graham Arnold has been criticised by fans and even some ex-Socceroos since taking over as the national team boss.

Graham Arnold was under pressure after Australia lost to France. Picture: Getty Images

He had the final word when the Socceroos qualified for Qatar on penalties against Peru after a shaky campaign.

There were calls for mass changes to the team after the France loss, and a few for Australia to attack.

In the end Arnold only made one change, and that was a forced one when Nathaniel Atkinson was ruled out with an ankle injury.

And after the Tunisia game, he had a simple message.

The Socceroos players gathered after the big win. Picture: Twitter/@Socceroos

“Who cares?” he said when asked about his message to his critics.

“They’ve never coached. I didn’t see who was critical of me, but I think some of them have never even been to a World Cup.

“They have no impact on my life.”

Arnold was in a better mood in the press conference, after he spoke for only five minutes after the France loss.

He even managed a joke when asked in the first question how he planned to beat Denmark in the final group game.

“Can I just have five minutes to enjoy this?” he joked.

Graham Arnold hit back at his critics. Picture: Getty Images

He said the France game was the “best friendly we could have had” and the Socceroos were punished for mistakes.

That wasn’t the case against Tunisia, with Australia making few mistakes.

He said the “old Aussie way” of “grit, fight and determination” was vital for the win.

He talked about wanting to put a smile on the faces of people back in Australia, saying that the Socceroos and Matildas are the only two teams that can truly unite Australia.

He hoped a few Australians would wake up Sunday morning with a hangover, but was quick to clarify he wouldn’t be.

He also revealed the unlikely message he gave his players after the win.

“I got them in a circle and said ‘we’ve achieved nothing’,” he said. “I don’t want any emotion from my players, I don’t want them up all night looking at social media.”

He said the players were allowed to enjoy the moment with the fans, but then the win was gone.

“I don’t want to see any celebrations (from the players),” he said.

After Australia scored, he went over to his players to get a message to them.

After only holding the lead for 18 minutes against France with an early goal, he didn’t want that to happen again.

“I don’t think, I know, the next five minutes after a goal is scored is so important,” he said.

“You’ve got to continue playing, if you celebrate that goal emotionally, that’s when you can concede.

“It’s about keeping switched on with no celebration at all and going for the second goal straight away.”

It worked. Australia made it to halftime ahead, and then withheld the onslaught from Tunisia in the second half.

Next is Denmark, and Australia is in the box seat to qualify.

A win against the Danes and Arnold will achieve something that only Guus Hiddink - his long term mentor - did back in 2006 by making the knockout stages.

He may not be letting his players celebrate. And Australians should be.