He’s arguably the greatest manager in Hyundai A-League history and now Graham Arnold has been charged with leading the Caltex Socceroos post-2018 World Cup.
Dutchman Bert van Marwijk will guide the national team through the tournament in Russia before Arnold takes the reins as Caltex Socceroos coach after the World Cup.
But why Arnold?
FFA appoints Graham Arnold Caltex Socceroos Head Coach post the 2018 FIFA World Cup
Arnold’s strong connection with current Caltex Socceroos stars
Arnold’s Sydney FC outfit were near faultless last season on their way to the Premiership/Championship double, losing just one match for the entire campaign.
And this season, despite two losses, Arnold’s side have gone to another level.
The Sky Blues sit eight points clear at the top of the standings and are odds-on to claim back-to-back titles for the first time since Brisbane Roar FC in 2011/12.
Lead by the likes of Adrian Mierzejewski and Bobo, Sydney have averaged 2.5 goals per game this campaign, the most ever for any team in a single season.
Many pundits have labelled his current Sydney FC outfit as the greatest team in Hyundai A-League history.
And while those calls may be somewhat premature, Arnold’s ascension to the top job in Australian football is certainly not.
His coaching record in the A-League is simply imperious.
|
Graham Arnold A-League Managerial Record |
||||||
|
Club |
G |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
|
Central Coast Mariners |
98 |
51 |
25 |
22 |
155 |
95 |
|
Sydney FC |
107 |
61 |
28 |
17 |
205 |
105 |
|
A-League Career |
205 |
112 |
53 |
39 |
360 |
200 |
Arnold has amassed an impressive 112 wins from 205 games as a manager in charge of Central Coast and Sydney FC, one less than Newcastle’s Ernie Merrick (113 wins) who has overseen 263 matches.
He’s won Championships with both Sydney FC (2016/17) and the Mariners (2012/13), along with the 2017 Westfield FFA Cup title with the Sky Blues.
He also guided Central Coast to the Premiership in the 2011/12 season and Sydney to the Premiers Plate in 2016/17.
Adding to his success is the number of players – current Caltex Socceroos – which he has helped nurture and develop during his time in the A-League.
A look at Graham Arnold's stellar statistics pic.twitter.com/z1nq1fdw82
— Subway Socceroos (@Socceroos) March 8, 2018
National team regulars Trent Sainsbury and Mat Ryan both blossomed under Arnold’s tutelage, along with the likes of Bernie Ibini and Alex Wilkinson.
Arnold has re-energized the likes of ex-Socceroos Michael Zullo and Luke Wilkshire at Sydney FC, while the brilliant form of Josh Brillante has been rewarded with a call-up in the latest squad.
While Arnold served as interim Socceroos coach in 2007, you sense his experience and success in the A-League will steel him for a lengthier and more productive stint this time around.
Can he guide Australia to back-to-back Asian Cup crowns?
ARNOLD IN THE A-LEAGUE
- Graham Arnold has managed his sides to 82 clean sheets, more than any other manager in A-League history (Merrick, 75).
- Only three teams in A-League history have kept 14+ clean sheets in a single campaign, and they were all managed by Graham Arnold (Mariners in 2010/11, Mariners in 2012/13, Sydney FC in 2016/17).
- Graham Arnold has never lost more than two consecutive A-League matches in regular time.
- Graham Arnold managed sides have scored 4+ goals on 24 occasions in A-League history, conceding as many only three times.
- Sydney FC average 2.5 goals per game in 2017/18, the most of any team in a single season in A-League history.
