So despite the Australian team making the Quarter-finals, there have been major problems (understatement) with them this Asian Cup. Head Coach Graham Arnold refusing to back down on his commentary that some players did not come to play, and a lot of pundits have declared that the players should be showing him (Arnold) more respect.
It’s all well & good to state that “players should respect the manager”… but the simple fact is that we have players who are playing at pretty much the highest level, then you’re going to be dealing with egos. To make it at that level there has to be a degree of self-belief that is bordering on egotistical.
Add to that mix a coach who hasn’t even enjoyed success as a coach at ANY level, then throw in a lack of success… and that’s one hell of a volatile concoction.
So… am I surprised that we’re currently sucking? No… and I wasn’t alone in decrying the appointment of Arnold as coach way-back-when.
So now Arnold has made protests over player attitude… publicly. Well, that’s your death-knell there - for once that happens, the players are NEVER going to respect the coach.
Do I think we can beat Japan? 
Of course, and should we do so, I’d suggest that the Australian team becomes the favourite to take it all (& I’ll Live-Blog that game)… but come what may, Arnold’ll be gone, and soon.
And word has it that Dick Advocaat, the ex-Dutch national coach (now coaching Zenit in Russia) will replace Graham Arnold in 2008. Well, I’m not sure that Advocaat is exactly who is wanted for the Australian team, but we’ll cross that bridge when it becomes official.
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What you said...