The AFC match day break left a vast empty space in my weekend.  Apart from rejoicing in the Mariners Youth Team win over Newcastle and catching some zeds before The Carling Cup Final, I found myself pondering The Arnie Question.

Now that the shock has subsided and the inevitable howls of derision from Arnie's detractors have died down (slightly), perhaps it's possible to subject the issue to a bit of "rational analysis" (a la Gaz).

To be fair, let's start with the positives :

  • Enthusiasm - He can't wait to do the job, says he loves the supporters and admires the club. Keen to take CCM 'back to where they belong'.
  • Socceroos Connections - Second to none.
  • Experience - Ten years assisting Socceroos managers at highest level
  • Media Attention - Most commentators have been supportive and want to see him succeed (even Fossie raves about his potential, which is a worry).
  • Dial-a-Lawrie - Popular coach still around to support and add stability

Then there's the negatives :

  • Track Record - Lack of success at Asian Cup and Olympics
  • Public Perceptions - Rightly or wrongly, blamed for the above by many fans
  • Media Attention - Will be subjected to greater scrutiny and expectations than most other A-League coaches.
  • Dial-a-Lawrie - Needs to forge his own identity and coaching style while respecting McKinna's legacy.

While the positives speak for themselves, the negatives surely warrant further examination if Arnie is to make a fresh start in the A-League.  Although they may seem unconnected, there is surely a common factor at play in all of the above : Arnie's problematic communication skills.

Look at it this way : we all know being a football coach is an extremely difficult job and all coaches make mistakes.  They also have to deal with issues that are totally out of their control.  In the case of Arnie's Asian Cup experience, he has made a convincing case that the team was hindered by lack of preparation due to FIFA's 10-day ruling. Not to mention the team's inexperience in Asian weather conditions.

In the case of the Olympics, he has defended his squad choice and tactics in some detail and officially, the FFA supported his efforts.  The only problem is, he waited until last June to finally give his side of the story to a disgruntled public. 

Is it any wonder that football fans were unimpressed with his explanations, however plausible ? Most fans accept that coaches are not perfect and teams don't always perform at their best, but copping the flak and facing the media as soon as possible after the fact is a sure sign of a great leader. 

Whether by accident or design, Arnie appeared to avoid media contact after the Olympics and that's the problem.  His lack of comment made him appear arrogant and merely prompted less public sympathy.

Then there were his remarks about players during the Asian Cup who "didn't want to be there".  Arnie later explained that he was simply trying to motivate the team, but at the time it seemed like he was simply fobbing off responsibility for performance issues.  While hundreds of coaches have probably made similar remarks in the dressing room, making such remarks in the media is never going to endear you to the fans.

For Arnie's sake, we can only hope he has learned to be a little more diplomatic.

In fairness, numerous interviews with the new gaffer in the past few weeks have given the public an unwaveringly positive view of his aspirations and hopes for the club.

Both on TV and in the press he has explained in great detail, and with apparent sincerity, his plans to find quality players from overseas as well as lure Aussies home.  We've been promised an adaptable team that can play two or three systems, avoid the dreaded long ball and bring excitement back to Bluetongue.  Sounds great, doesn't it ?

But if Arnie is to challenge public perceptions and receive the same respect and support  that coaches like McKinna, Culina and Lavicka enjoy, it is essential that he displays their integrity and grace under pressure.  These coaches make a genuine connection with the fans because every week they publicly accept the highs and lows of coaching with dignity and good humour.  Regardless of what happens on the pitch, if Arnie can face the public and the media with equal honesty and good faith, fans will support him all the way.  

Belated farewell to Ahmad, Macca and Travis (why??) : three of the finest players ever to grace Bluetongue.  Thanks for everything and may the football gods smile on you wherever you may go.  You will not be forgotten.