Overnight reports suggested Arnold was in talks to take the job on the proviso he leave Sydney FC to become national coach.

However, the Sky Blues mentor was adamant he had not been contacted by FFA in relation to taking over from Ange Postecoglou and leading Australia at the World Cup.   

“There’s nothing been offered so I don’t even think about it,” Arnold said.

“We can sit and ask questions and ask hypothetical things if this happens or that happens, but, the reality of everything is that I am contracted to Sydney FC and I love this club.

“And I love this group of players and I have said it before. I treat those players like they're my kids and I wouldn’t sit here and say something out of respect for those boys because those boys work hard for me every week.

“I think this is all getting in the way of us talking about what a fantastic team Sydney FC is.”

Arnold has been linked to a possible move overseas and said his next chapter would be in the best interests of his family.

“As I said to the players that everyone around the world is watching what the players and the staff do,” he said.  

“I have had other interests outside of Australia so for me the most important thing is my next decision is the best thing for me and my family and my beautiful wife as I am getting older myself.”

It is understood FFA have not opened discussions for the Socceroos job and could wait as late as February to make a decision. 

And while Arnold is chuffed at being mentioned as a possible replacement for Postecoglou, he said his primary focus was getting his troops ready for Friday night’s match against Melbourne City.

“…It is obviously flattering to be considered for the national team job because I am a proud Australian, but I have a contract with Sydney FC and I believe we are doing well and we need to do greater than what we are at the moment,” he said.  

“…All I can do is what is real and the real thing is that I have got a training session to do to finalise the preparations for tomorrow night’s game against Melbourne City at our fortress Allianz and I expect a greater performance this week than what we did last week against the Wanderers.”