Ange Postecoglou says Graham Arnold would be ‘proud’ of his achievements with the Socceroos

Former Socceroos mentor Ange Postecoglou has acknowledged Graham Arnold’s work and performance as national coach.

Former Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou has lauded Graham Arnold for his “great stint” as coach of the national team.

Arnold stunned the football fraternity on Friday when he announced that after six years in charge of the Socceroos, he had resigned from the position.

“It’s time for change and time for me to move on,” said Arnold, who stood down in the aftermath of the Socceroos’ poor start to the latest round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Earlier this month, the Australians suffered a shock 1-0 home loss to Bahrain before only managing a 0-0 draw with Indonesia in Jakarta.

With former Melbourne Victory A-League championship-winning coach Kevin Muscat having ruled himself out of contention to replace Arnold to instead remain in charge of Chinese Super League club Shanghai Port, it’s understood the job will go to one of two former Socceroos – Tony Popovic or John Aloisi, the current coach of Western United.

Popovic, who is considered the favourite, is currently without a coaching job, having left the Victory after guiding them to last season’s A-League grand final.

The coaching appointment is imminent, with the Socceroos returning to action next month for World Cup qualifiers against China (October 10, Adelaide) and Japan (October 15, Saitama).

Ange Postecoglou (left) and Graham Arnold share a laugh in 2011 during their stint as coaches of Brisbane Roar and Central Coast Mariners respectively. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Current Tottenham manager Postecoglou – who coached the Socceroos from 2013 to 2017 – was full of praise for the departing Arnold and his effort to guide Australia to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

“He’s had great stint as national team boss,” Postecoglou said.

“He took them to a World Cup (and) got the best ever results (for the Socceroos) in the World Cup.

“For anyone, when you manage your national team, it’s a proud moment, and I’m sure he’s proud of his achievements, but like all of us, he passes on the baton now to hopefully somebody who can take the nation forward.”

In standing down, Arnold said he had made “the biggest decision” of his career.

“I always will love Australia and I love Australian football, but I’m just worn out from the game of football in Australia, and I need a break,” Arnold said.

When Postecoglou quit as Socceroos coach seven years ago, he said at the time that the job had “taken a toll on me both personally and professionally”.

“To coach your own country is the greatest privilege but it also has enormous responsibility,” Postecoglou said.

“I feel now is the right time to pass on that responsibility to someone who will have the energy it requires … I probably need to have a break with the family and regather my thoughts.”