FA Backs Coach Arnold Despite Socceroos' Qualifying Struggles

Football Australia head James Johnson supports Socceroos coach Graham Arnold amid criticism over World Cup qualifying results. Despite the team's poor start, Johnson endorses Arnold's capabilities and emphasizes the need for calm leadership. Meanwhile, the Matildas face challenges with leadership changes after a disappointing Olympic exit.

Football Australia (FA) boss James Johnson has thrown his support behind embattled Socceroos coach Graham Arnold despite the team's poor form in World Cup qualifying. The Socceroos began the third phase of Asian qualifying with a 1-0 home loss to Bahrain followed by a scoreless draw away to Indonesia.

Johnson, however, reaffirmed FA's backing of Arnold. 'Graham is a great coach, and we're right behind him,' Johnson told reporters on Friday. 'He's got a bit of work to do between now and when the team comes back to Australia, but we're not panicking.' Australia is currently fifth in Group C, five points behind leaders Japan, with eight matches left to play.

The top two teams from the group will qualify directly for the World Cup, with additional qualification opportunities for the third and fourth-placed teams. Australia will next host bottom-placed China in Adelaide on Oct. 10. Johnson added, 'We want to see improvements because we're disappointed with the results, but what is required at the moment is cool and calm leadership. We put our faith in Graham to get the team back on path.'

The Matildas, Australia's women's team, also faced recent setbacks with an early exit from the Paris Olympics. With coach Tony Gustavsson stepping down, an interim coach will be named within 10 days as a search for a permanent replacement continues. The Matildas will play a friendly match away to Germany on Oct 28, and Johnson emphasized the importance of making a well-considered appointment for the team's future.

(With inputs from agencies.)