‘I followed my gut’: Graham Arnold opens up on the ‘biggest decision’ of his career
Christian Montegan 
Graham Arnold coaching during a World Cup qualifier against Lebanon in Canberra. Photo: Aleksandar Jason/Subway Socceroos
After picking up two disappointing results in the recent competitive international window, Socceroos manager Graham Arnold resigned from his job on Friday, and explained why now was the right time to walk away.
The pressure had piled on the 61-year-old after a shock 1-0 defeat at home to Bahrain (ranked 76) and a stalemate in Indonesia (ranked 129) during the opening two matches of third-round 2026 World Cup qualification.
In his post-match press conference after the draw to Indonesia, Arnold acknowledged that he required self-reflection to ponder his future and have a good hard think about his managerial position.
“After the two games against Bahrain and Indonesia, I said after the Indonesia game that I had some big decisions to make,” Arnold said.
“I followed my gut and I’ve [made] a decision after 40 years [of] service and six years coaching the Socceroos, it’s time for change and time for me to move on. It’s been a tough decision, but once again, it’s a gut decision and I believe it’s the right one.”
“I’ve got to be honest, and I always am. I have struggled a bit since the Asian Cup loss [January 2024]. I truly went to that Asian Cup thinking we were going to win it,” Arnold admitted.
“Over the past six months, I’ve tried to convince myself to keep going and keep going, but as I said, in my gut it just hasn’t felt right.”
In what he believes is a selfless act, Arnold confirmed that he placed himself to the side in favour of the best possible future for Australian football.
“I do believe I’ve gotten the maximum out of the players,” he said. “Myself and the staff have done everything we possibly can, but for me, this isn’t about Graham Arnold, this is about the nation of Australia, what’s good for the players and what’s good for the organisation.”
There have been incredibly challenging times during Arnold’s time at the helm, none more so than the Covid lockdown throughout 2022 World Cup qualifying which prevented the Socceroos from competing in the majority of their games at home.
As part of the development process, Arnold took charge of the Olyroos at the 2021 Olympic Games, leading them to a famous victory against Argentina. Nearly 18 months later, a sensational knockout stage appearance at the World Cup with the Socceroos made those dark times extra unique.
“I’ve bled green and gold for 40 years,” Arnold said. “I look back at my tenure where I had to rebuild and coach the Olympic team [in Tokyo 2021] for free, and to develop those players quite quickly was a quick fix to create depth.
“Obviously Covid hit and being stuck away for six months and not being able to come back to Australia to see family and friends was also a tough time, but everything happens for a reason. You gave all those sacrifices and you got paid back with the [2022] World Cup where we finished 11th in the world – the greatest Socceroo team in history.
“Being voted the number one coach at that World Cup by L’Equipe Magazine was something special.
“The boys gave me everything they [had] and I [couldn’t] be more thankful for their sacrifices and everything that they’ve done.”
When asked how a 10-year-old version of himself would react to how far he has come throughout his career, the Sydneysider wouldn’t include what transpired today as a moment of fondness.
“I think he would’ve been very proud and excited for those six years, but not today,” said Arnold. “Having to resign hasn’t been fun this week, it’s been tough. Probably the biggest decision I’ve had to make in my career.
“I always will love Australia and I love Australian football, but I’m just worn out from the game and I need a break.”
Over four decades involved with Australian football in some form of capacity has ultimately led to strong relationships that Arnold will hold dear to his heart.
“I had special bonds with players at the Central Coast Mariners, the golden generation in 2006 who I’m still in touch with, the Sydney FC boys… and it will be the same with the Socceroos,” he said.
“All of the boys, I love them like sons and that’s how I manage. They’ve achieved something special, but I want them to achieve more. I’ll be sitting back and watching them very proudly.
“The staff members have been incredible, like brothers. There will be lifelong friendships.”
Whether you love him or loathe him, Anrold’s contribution to football in Australia should be recognised with the highest of respects.
For Arnold, it still feels like a dream with time to reflect on the mark he has had on the game in Australia, while opening up on a handful of unforgettable occasions in the past six years.
“You can’t fathom it. If you had told me many years ago that I was going to go to four Olympics, three World Cups, two of which we reached the round of 16, I would never have believed it,” confessed Arnold.
“It just shows if people have dreams in their lives, anything is achievable and possible, but it takes a lot of hard work and passion. That passion side of it is the one which has helped me make this decision.
“I don’t think there’s just one [particular favourite moment]. I think the Andrew Redmayne penalty shootout [against Peru] and the whole World Cup [in Qatar] because there’s just so many moments and so many memories.
“I wouldn’t have had this extra two years if Redmayne didn’t save that penalty and I wouldn’t have had a World Cup, so that was one probably of the biggest turning points of my rein.”