Interesting that none of those interviewed blamed lack of a pro / rel setup contributing to our current malaise or even see it as a possible solution worth trying.

Also I think the 'mentally not strong enough' trope is a bit of bullshit. No way those blokes playing in professional leagues, battling for their positions in a foreign country week after week aren't mentally tough enough.

If I were a current socceroo I'd be pissed off at that assessment. 

Interesting comment at the bottom of that article. (Amongst others.)


Eight years ago our son, along with six of his mates formed the spine of a local under 12 soccer side. They loved it. They are still just as strong in their friendship today and are MVFC members, attending most home games and have even added “away days” as they aged and began working.

They still love the game, but none of them play anymore, three play Aussie rules together and the others play basketball. They left because of culture. The story amongst their ex schoolmates at rival clubs is similar - most play other sports now. All born around 2003, they were the surge caused by the World Cup team of 2006, now all lost to the playing field.

Culture. Add an extra $400-500 a year for players rego compared to footy. Teammates and coaches having training ground tantrums at errant passes. Parents interrupting training and demanding team meetings so they can have their tantrums after a couple of losses. Abuse of refs, volunteer linesmen, players and spectators. Diving. An inability to understand that suburban Melbourne B Grade under 16’s is not full of future EPL stars.

But poor behaviour is waved away under the arrogant “passion of the game” excuse - an absurd exceptionalism.
When it stops being fun they walk away.

Agree with that mentally not strong enough bullshit. Honestly I think people in the article are viewing things in the past with rose coloured glasses. The old system didn't produce players good enough except for one generation and by the time of the A League wasn't producing another one. 

There are some genuine criticisms that can be labelled on the current system and we have lost certain things from the past but not everything is, now = bad, past = good. 

It all depends how you see and read that article mind you.
I don't think they mean by lacking mental toughness is as you guys see it imo more like nowadays its easier to change your course because of set backs or not happy whereas before you had to suck it up more and keep your mouth shut for the cultures are ying and yang today wouldn't you agree........

Muz not mentioning P/R is moot, whats mentioned is the culture and despite flawed systems to some the pathways we're clearer as mentioned and did produce players not just the known GG for the many fringe players did half ok as well either playing abroad or locally.
Alot or most of the foundations were stripped all way to premature thinking the Pro Clubs will fill in the voids and as we've seen not for its been a basket case.
Very good points made :
“Football was built on passion, love of the game, teammates, camaraderie. Now you get kids changing clubs, an obsession with winning, pressure from parents, coaches leaving one club and taking half the team with them because they are going somewhere with better facilities or more money.“The pathway was clearer. You knew that you played for your club, and you climbed the ladder of success through state teams, national championships which led to the opportunity to play for national teams, if you are lucky to the AIS, under-17s, under-20s, Olyroos, then if possible a career overseas and the Socceroos.“Now there is no AIS, loyalty to club doesn’t exist, attachment is not there.”
Capac, sorry we have lost near on everything for its still totally fragmented.

Not saying it's not a valid point at all but I'm not really buying this as a big reason kids leave the sport to be honest
Sounds like someone who is happy their son no longer plays "that game".

Parents are insufferable at a lot of sports.

Honestly, people (here and everywhere) go on about the "modern generation" but it's their/our generation who are the parents being talked about above. 

I'd be happy with that. I can see Arnold getting smacked 6 or 7-0

A couple of interesting results in Asian Cup qualifying so far. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_AFC_Asian_Cup_qualification_%E2%80%93_Third_Round

Getting very tight for Asian Cup. Hong Kong were near assured but India beat Afghanistan at the death. 6 group winners and 5 best runners up go to *unknown host* 2023. Indonesia Jordan tomorrow is big. Thailand and Uzbekistan need to be careful not to miss out.

Palestine, Thailand, Kyrgyzstan, India, Tajikistan, HK, Uzbekistan  have qualified for the Asian Cup. Many groups ending today. A few spots remain and I hope East Asian teams get in.

I would love us to bid for the Asian cup again. With China out and the short notice I feel like we'd be one of the few nations that would be able to cobble it together properly. 

I agree but can we find the venues given it will be in the middle of winter here. 

Oh I didn't realise they had changed it to northern hemisphere summer. We'll have the women's world cup then anyway so it wouldn't work. 

Would the Peru coach be a solid option post Arnold?

I don't think he speaks English, it may spook Viacom.

Indonesia need a draw vs Nepal to go to Asian Cup in place of Philippines. Malaysia have always qualified which is great for them. 

Indonesia are in. HK back for first time since 1968. Tajikistan debut.

and he just got out-coached by graham arnold..................................

⁉️ After China withdrew from hosting the AFC Asian Cup 2023, 4️⃣ countries interested in hosting the tournament including:

🇦🇺 Australia
🇯🇵 Japan
🇰🇷 South Korea
🇶🇦 Qatar

If Qatar is selected as the host, the tournament is expected to be held in January, 2024.

#AFC #AC2023

Just give it to Qatar now. You know it's going there 🙄

Although South Korea bidded alongside China, so wouldn't be surprised if it goes there.

How could we have offered to host if we have the Women’s World Cup at the same time? 

They should approach Bielsa post Arnold. Peru coach wouldn't be a bad choice either. He had them punching above their weight, though it would be pretty hard if he speaks no English. 

But let's face it, it's going to be Popa's turn after Arnie. If not him, then maybe even Muscat or Aloisi. I don't think they'll go for a foreigner.

I just want a coach who understands the modern game, picks our best players and can get the best out of them both physically and strategically.

That is clearly not Arnie, despite a grudging pass in recent matches. Popa has done an amazing job turning Victory around so has to be a shout, I'd also be interested in Muscat given his success in Japan.

But I'd probably prefer a European next time. A young German like Klopp or Tuchel perhaps - hungry to make a mark. We've not had a Frenchman or Spaniard before, have we?

I’d be willing to see Muscat, Popa or Aloisi in the years ahead. Probably in that order.

https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-australia-harry-souttar-injury-7248272

They may have to play assistant to a big name first. 

"

• the development system that produced the Golden Generation has been dismantled, replaced by a user-pays system of academies that locks out talented teens whose parents can’t afford high-quality training programs;"

We need him fit!!

I reckon they should try to get the Frenchman in charge of Saudi Arabia now. Dunno his name

The improvement in the Saudi team was just breathtaking. Imagine what he could do with our guys (especially Boyle, G. Kuol, Mabil, Hrustic and Tilio).

Apparently, he’s the only coach ever to win the African Cup of Nations with two separate countries

Yep, he sounds worth investigating.

Saudis are probably paying him a fortune though. Does he have a non-union Mexican equivalent?

Herve Renard is his name and he led Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015 to African Cup of Nations wins.Petrodollars a big incentive for him to get the Saudis up to scratch.