The Australian manager’s huge applause for the national team: “I played against Maradona and now I’ve faced Messi, it’s a source of pride”

The selector of Australia, Graham Arnoldhe was proud of his players, asked for more funding from his country’s football authorities and praised Leo Messi and Diego Armando Maradona: “Argentina should feel proud to have this calibre”.

“Messi is incredible. One of the best in history and we made a huge effort to neutralize him knowing he’s a great player. I had the privilege of playing with Diego Armando Maradona and as a technician before Messiand Argentina should be proud to have players of this caliber” Arnold said.

The Australia coach is not yet sure if he will continue in charge. “I haven’t thought about my future. The contract is about to expire, but I’m only thinking about the holidays. We’ve worked to achieve all of this, the Olympics, the World Cup. I haven’t thought about it and I have to talk to the Federation,” revealed the coach , who has requested funding from his country’s authorities to give Australian football a boost.

“We faced a great team, Messi, Albiceleste. We had great opportunities and we weren’t able to take advantage of them. In Australian football we have a great future and a lot of fans. There is great interest in our country and we have expectations, we need more funds from Government of the country that gives us a home for our football, we need a headquarters, some facilities. That finances us for the development of football in the country,” he insisted.

Arnold praised the efforts of his players, although he regretted the chances his team missed in the end.

“I couldn’t be more proud of my players for all they have given to the entire Australian nation. It’s been four years. We are a little sad that we have managed to achieve something more, but I trust that the country is as proud as I am because he has done such a great job. We were looking for Australia to feel followed and we succeeded,” she explained.

“We were successful, but I still feel it we failed tonight. I was dying to win for football, for the country. I was not satisfied with this, I wanted more. I am like that,” she insisted.

“The players are disappointed that you don’t always play with the third best team in the world e world-class rivals. Before they punish themselves, I told them I’m proud of their work. Before coming, everyone said we were the worst team. That will never happen again. Reaching the round of 16 for the first time since 2006 is incredible with such a young team,” concluded the Australia coach.

Source: EFE