Ahead of Australia's meeting with China in Doha on Friday morning (AEST), Graham Arnold faced the media to provide an insight into how preparations are progressing.
In the lead up to our opening fixture in the final round of Asian Qualifiers, check out some of the key talking points that the Socceroos Head Coach discussed.
On overcoming logistical challenges to prepare:
"We weren't able to train two nights ago because the players were waiting for their PCR tests, but they played club football on the weekend. So I wasn't getting stressed out about it, the most important thing was making sure that the boys were fine. It's about the players and helping them through this, so we had a fun stretching session, social distancing in the hotel and doing the right things. It's a challenge but the most important thing is that we stay positive and we we have we enjoy our time together - that's what I'm working hard on."
On being without assistant coaches René Meulensteen (tested positive for asymptomatic COVID-19) and Tony Vidmar (due to quarantine restrictions in SA):
"I have great trust in my staff. Rene is a fantastic assistant. The fact that he can’t be here because he tested positive last week was a blow. Tony Vidmar having to go through the double quarantine after the Olympics is also a blow. But they’re both still working for me remotely, on the Zoom calls, and we’re talking and communicating and coming up with a game plan. The only difference is that I’m doing everything on the ground here."
On connecting with new and returning members of the squad:
"They’re in great spirits. Just to see the smiles on their faces when they walk into camp and see players they haven’t seen in 18 months — Tommy Rogic, Aaron Mooy, Bailey Wright. See some new players in Callum Elder, Paul Izzo, and Ryan Strain and welcome them into the Socceroo family. Also seeing the boys that did great in Kuwait re-connecting. That’s the most important thing.”
On Maty Ryan's fitness:
"Mat looks fantastic. We only had a restart session last night, so I can honestly sit here now and say that I haven’t decided on the full startling lineup. I’ve got to see them tonight in our one and only tactical session. But Mat looks fantastic, he trained well last night. All the boys were fantastic last night. The energy was great and, as I said, for me it’s about just getting on that pitch and them enjoying themselves and making Australia proud."
On selecting a starting XI:
"We will look at the players tonight and most important thing are the personal conversations I have with the players today to see where they’re at and how they are feeling heading into this game. Mabil is doing well at Midtjylland, Daniel Arzani has obviously come in, you can use Jackson Irvine higher up the pitch if need be. You got (Tom) Rogic there, (Ajdin) Hrustic that can play higher up the pitch. I haven’t decided on any type of starting lineup at this moment."
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ – AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar (Final Round)
Australia v China PR
Date: Thursday, 2 September 2021
Venue: Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar
Kick-off: 9pm local (4am AEST – Friday, 3 September 2021)
Broadcast: Live and free in Australia on Channel 10 – pre-game coverage from 3.30am AEST
The Socceroos’ second fixture of the forthcoming FIFA window is scheduled to take place against Vietnam on Tuesday, 7 September 2021, with kick-off at 10pm AEST.
