After watching from the stands in Russia four years ago, Graham Arnold will lead Australia from the dugout at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The 59-year-old has been Socceroos coach since late 2018 and previously also coached them at the 2007 Asian Cup.
After a mixed qualifying campaign for Qatar, Arnold steered Australia to crucial playoff wins against the UAE and Peru.
His decision to sub on Andrew Redmayne for the decisive penalty shootout against Peru was seen as a masterstroke with the Sydney FC goalkeeper going on to make key saves.
Here, The Sporting News looks at everything you need to know about the man coaching Australia at the 2022 World Cup.
Graham Arnold contract with Australia
Graham Arnold’s current contract runs until after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Fans wanted the 57-year-old sacked earlier in 2022 after a poor run of results in qualifying but Football Australia confirmed in March he would see out his contract.
Arnold then justified the faith as the Socceroos qualified for a fifth straight World Cup via the playoffs in June.
According to Finance Football, Arnold will be the 12th highest paid coach in Qatar and earns an annual salary of $1.9 million.
FTBL reported in August that should Australia perform well at the World Cup, Arnold will be offered a four-year contract extension.
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What’s Graham Arnold’s style of play and favourite formation?
Throughout his coaching career, Arnold has often opted for a more attacking style of play that strongly relies on wide players.
As a former forward himself, scoring goals have always been a priority and he has overseen some big wins as coach with Australia beating Chinese Taipei 7-1 in World Cup qualifying two years ago.
Arnold has historically used a 4-2-3-1 formation most regularly with his wide attackers generally pushing forward as wingers in attack.
Against Peru in their recent playoff, Arnold did opt for a more defensive 4-5-1 and this may be used in Qatar against the likes of France.
Graham Arnold clubs managed and trophies
Arnold’s first taste of coaching came as a player-manager with Northern Spirit in Australia’s now defunct National Soccer League.
After joining Northern Spirit as a player in 1998, he would be asked to also coach the side the following season before hanging up the boots.
From there, Arnold spent a decade holding various roles with Australia’s national teams before joining A-League Men side Central Coast Mariners in 2010.
After a successful three years, he joined Japanese club Vegalta Sendai but left by mutual consent after just eight matches and no wins.
Arnold was then appointed Sydney FC manager in May 2014 and led the side with some great success for four years before taking over as Socceroos coach in 2018.
Arnie ’93 🤝 Arnie ’22.
Graham Arnold has always had đź’šđź’›#GiveIt100 #AllForTheSocceroos pic.twitter.com/DmZaFLFrMR
— Socceroos (@Socceroos) June 20, 2022
Clubs managed
- Northern Spirit
- Central Coast Mariners
- Vegalta Sendai
- Sydney FC
Trophies won at club level
| Season | Trophy | Club |
|---|---|---|
| 2011/12 | A-League Men premiership | Central Coast Mariners |
| 2012/13 | A-League Men championship | Central Coast Mariners |
| 2016/17 | A-League Men premiership | Sydney FC |
| 2016/17 | A-League Men championship | Sydney FC |
| 2017 | FFA Cup/Australia Cup | Sydney FC |
| 2017/18 | A-League Men premiership | Sydney FC |