Arnold Challenges Asian Cup Timing: Europe-Based Player Woes

Arnold Challenges Asian Cup Timing: Europe-Based Player Woes

Socceroos head coach Graham Arnold (C) looks on during a Socceroos training session at Lakeside Stadium on November 14, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia ( Image - Getty Images)

  Australia's coach, Graham Arnold, has raised concerns about the scheduling of the Asian Cup in January, arguing that it favors Middle East nations while presenting challenges for teams with a significant number of Europe-based players. FIFA rules mandate clubs to release players for the continental championship in Qatar from January 12 to February 10. However, Arnold expressed that some of his squad members faced pressure from their European clubs regarding participation.

Addressing reporters in Sydney, Arnold suggested that the AFC should reconsider the January timing of the Asian Cup, acknowledging its compatibility with Middle East nations but recognizing challenges for teams like Australia, Japan, and South Korea with players based in Europe.

Graham Arnold, Head Coach of Australia, speaks to the media during the Australia Subway Socceroos media access at Hilton London Syon Park on October 16, 2023 in London, England (Image - Getty Images)

 Arnold's recent squad for a World Cup qualifier against Palestine featured 19 Europe-based players out of 23, highlighting the impact on teams heavily reliant on European talent. In contrast, Saudi Arabia had no Europe-based players in last month's qualifiers.

Despite ongoing negotiations with European clubs, Arnold anticipates challenges, with the squad set to assemble in Qatar on January 1. This timing could result in some players missing up to eight club games during the midpoint of their European league seasons if Australia progresses to the final.

While Arnold expressed confidence in Australia winning the Asian Cup, he acknowledged the squad's relative inexperience compared to the 2019 roster. He attributed his increased comfort to five years of working with the players and the inclusion of younger talents from the Tokyo Olympics.

Reflecting on the upcoming tournament in Qatar, Arnold mentioned the excitement among players to return, emphasizing the need for a different base and not repeating the World Cup venue at the Aspire Academy. Despite recent injuries to players like Brandon Borrello and Ryan Strain, Arnold remains optimistic about the fitness of veteran forward Mathew Leckie, citing his versatility and experience as valuable assets to the squad.