Graham Arnold’s squad of 18 for the Olympics is another reminder why he should not be in charge of any team in the national set-up.
The former Socceroos manager has somehow found it necessary to exclude arguably Australia’s most promising youngsters in a misguided by for success.
In particular, the omissions of James Holland, Bruce Djite, Nathan Burns and David Williams cast more doubt over whether Arnold learned from the 2007 Asian Cup disaster.
Arnold told SBS, "you can take them away for two months and still they can't acclimatise. You've got to be able to handle the conditions to give yourself the opportunity tactically to carry out the job.‘’
Which is a massive label to be putting on four of Australia’s brightest prospects. The idea that a player can’t tackle the heat of China would also imply, they would struggle in the Gulf, Middle East and South East Asia.
It also seems an incredibly stupid statement given Djite, Holland and Burns have all proven themselves regularly in the A-League – a tournament played during summer.
The real doosies in Arnolds squad are Nikita Rukavytsya and James Troisi. It wasn’t until Perth’s season was done and dusted last year that Rukavytsya began to fire, and his overall record of six goals and one assist in 23 games is poor.
The former Socceroos manager has somehow found it necessary to exclude arguably Australia’s most promising youngsters in a misguided by for success.
In particular, the omissions of James Holland, Bruce Djite, Nathan Burns and David Williams cast more doubt over whether Arnold learned from the 2007 Asian Cup disaster.
Arnold told SBS, "you can take them away for two months and still they can't acclimatise. You've got to be able to handle the conditions to give yourself the opportunity tactically to carry out the job.‘’
Which is a massive label to be putting on four of Australia’s brightest prospects. The idea that a player can’t tackle the heat of China would also imply, they would struggle in the Gulf, Middle East and South East Asia.
It also seems an incredibly stupid statement given Djite, Holland and Burns have all proven themselves regularly in the A-League – a tournament played during summer.
The real doosies in Arnolds squad are Nikita Rukavytsya and James Troisi. It wasn’t until Perth’s season was done and dusted last year that Rukavytsya began to fire, and his overall record of six goals and one assist in 23 games is poor.
That is underlined by him scoring just one goal in six appearances for the Olyroos. And while Bruce Djite seemed to be the fall guy for the Socceroos poor performance against China, it was James Troisi who has the most to answer for. His performance was not only sub-par, but selfish. It should be expected that even the best players will have bad games, but good players will always play to a team plan.
All Troisi did on that yawn inducing-night was shoot from 40 yards while off balance. He seemed more concerned in bringing glory to himself than working for his teammates.
All Troisi did on that yawn inducing-night was shoot from 40 yards while off balance. He seemed more concerned in bringing glory to himself than working for his teammates.
Meanwhile Archie Thomspon’s selection has sparked many of the howls of protest. I’m a huge fan of the underrated Victory striker, and think he has not been given the chances he has deserved in the national set up. But… for the development of the senior side, the three overage players must be regulars for the Socceroos.
There are two key principles which should guide youth teams; development and preparation for the senior team.
By including Socceroos regulars, it gives those younger players hoping to make their mark, an idea of what is required both technically and tactically.
On his time as national coach, Arnold said…
There are two key principles which should guide youth teams; development and preparation for the senior team.
By including Socceroos regulars, it gives those younger players hoping to make their mark, an idea of what is required both technically and tactically.
On his time as national coach, Arnold said…
"If there's one thing I've learned from playing in Asia it's that if players can't play in the heat, they can't play in the heat, no matter who they are.’’
What we’ve learnt is Arnold clearly can’t take the heat of being in the national set-up.
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