Graham Arnold has stepped down from his role as Socceroos coach in a surprise move.
The Sydney Morning Herald broke the news on Friday morning, with the announcement coming after an awful start to the third round of AFC World Cup qualifying, where Australia lost at home to Bahrain and struggled to a draw against Indonesia.
It also comes off the back of a quarter-final exit at the Asian Cup, where the Socceroos played underwhelming attacking football against perceived weaker opponents.
Football Australia later confirmed the decision, with Football Australia CEO saying in a statement: "Graham Arnold's departure marks the end of an era for Australian football. His contributions to the sport and the Subway Socceroos are there for all to see. Under Graham's leadership, we achieved remarkable milestones that elevated Australian football on the global stage. Graham's passion and dedication have left an indelible mark on the team and Australian football.
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"While we respect his decision and are saddened to see Graham leave the national team set-up, this scenario is not uncommon in international football. We will act swiftly in appointing a new head coach to ensure continuity and stability, particularly as we approach the crucial second window of the AFC Asian Qualifiers next month.
"Our focus now shifts to finding the right candidate who can build upon the foundations which Graham leaves behind and guide the team forward with confidence. Time is of the essence, and we are fully committed to making the transition as smooth as possible to keep the Subway Socceroos on track for continued success."
Graham Arnold, the longest-serving coach in Subway #Socceroos history, will depart immediately from the role of head coach.
— Subway Socceroos (@Socceroos) September 20, 2024
Thank you for everything, Arnie.#ThankYouArnie
Arnold said: "Leading the Subway Socceroos has been the pinnacle of my career and a true honour. I'm incredibly proud of our achievements – from breaking records to nurturing new talent and making history on the global stage. After careful consideration, I believe it's time for fresh leadership to guide the team forward.
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"I said after our game against Indonesia that I had some decisions to make, and after deep reflection, my gut has told me it’s time for change, both for myself and the program.
“I’ve made the decision to resign based upon what’s best for the nation, the players and Football Australia. I’ve given absolutely everything I can to the role, and I am immensely proud of what has been achieved during my tenure."
Reports state he met with Football Australia bosses this week and chose to step aside to give the Socceroos the best chance of qualifying for the World Cup and moving forward.
It marks an end to Graham Arnold's second tenure as Socceroos boss, having originally been in charge between 2006 and 2007.
He led Australia to their best ever performance at a World Cup in 2022, with stirring victories over Tunisia and Denmark, before narrowly losing to eventual winners Argentina in the Round of 16.
MORE: From devil to hero: Graham Arnold journey as one of the best Socceroos coaches
It was the high point of an admittedly mixed tenure, as he failed to get the Socceroos past the Asian Cup quarter-finals on two attempts, and also nearly failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in the first place, with only Andrew Redmayne's heroics in a penalty shootout against Peru in the intercontinental playoff ensuring Australia qualified for the Qatar tournament.
Australia's next match is an important World Cup qualifier in Adelaide against China in three weeks, meaning the FA must act quickly to find new leadership.
Who will replace Graham Arnold as Socceroos coach?
Given how quick the next World Cup qualifier is, it was unclear whether the Football Australia will seek to put an interim coach in charge of the Socceroos whilst they conduct a wider search for a permanent manager (similar to what they are doing with the Matildas).
However, reports have stated the Socceroos will look to bring in a permanent figure before the next international window.
Football Australia chief executive James Johnson confirms that the federation is seeking to appoint a new, permanent coach of the #Socceroos before the next international window.
— Joey Lynch (@joeylynchy) September 20, 2024
No interim coach.
More details on @ESPNAusNZ soon.
There are a few standout candidates for permanent manager, with the likes of Kevin Muscat and Nick Montgomery bound to be in consideration.
An option from abroad could be Herve Renard, who recently departed from his role with the French women's team, and has pedigree with performing well as coach in Asia.
