Socceroos star accuses coach Graham Arnold of ‘taking jobs for the boys to a new level’ with controversial omission from World Cup squad
- Tommy Oar accuses Graham Arnold of ‘taking jobs for the boys to a new level’
- Former Socceroo is shocked by goalkeeper Mitch Langerak apparent omission
- Ex-Socceroo Rob Cornthwaite has also called the looming move ‘staggering’
Former Socceroo Tommy Oar has sensationally accused coach Graham Arnold of taking ‘jobs for the boys to a new level’ with the likely omission of experienced goalkeeper Mitch Langerak from Australia’s World Cup squad.
Arnold will reveal his 26-player squad on Tuesday afternoon, but reports that Japan-based Langerak will be left out in favour of Andrew Redmayne and Danny Vukovic as back-ups to skipper Mat Ryan have shocked many football fans, including Oar.
Former Socceroo Tommy Oar (pictured during his playing days) has sensationally accused coach Graham Arnold of taking ‘jobs for the boys to a new level’ with the likely omission of experienced goalkeeper Mitch Langerak from the World Cup squad.
Arnold (pictured) is expected to reveal his 26 player squad on Tuesday afternoon, but reports that Japan-based Langerak will be left out in favour of Andrew Redmayne and Danny Vukovic as back-ups to skipper Mat Ryan, have shocked many football fans
‘It’s an absolute wind up. Takes jobs for the boys to a whole new level,’ Oar wrote on Twitter.
‘He’s been one of our best performing players consistently for the last 5 years and is one of the best blokes you’ll meet, respected by everyone.’
Ex-Socceroo Rob Cornthwaite also voiced his disbelief at the looming decision.
‘If Mitch has said he wants to go then this is staggering,’ Cornthwaite wrote on Twitter.
‘Matt Ryan no.1 and then two no.3 keepers? Maybe Arnie is trying to give Ryan confidence by saying you’re under no pressure for your place? So don’t stress?
Mitch Langerak (pictured) has been in terrific form between the sticks at Nagoya Grampus and was recently named as the club’s player of the season – last year breaking his own league record for clean sheets
Just doesn’t add up for me.’
Langerak, 34, has been in terrific form between the sticks at Nagoya Grampus and was recently named as the club’s player of the season – last year breaking his own league record for clean sheets.
The one-time Borussia Dortmund gloveman was picked for September’s two friendlies against New Zealand in Brisbane and Auckland – but bizarrely warmed the bench.
Both Redmayne and Vukovic have worked closely over the years with Graham Arnold and Socceroos’ goalkeeping coach John Crawley.
Redmayne was considered a lock following his heroics in the penalty shoot-out win versus Peru in June – but Vukovic, 37, is somewhat of a surprise.
Other Socceroos fans were quick to echo their dismay at Langerak’s omission.
‘Mitch Langerak (48) has kept more clean sheets at club level since the start of 2021 than Maty Ryan, Andrew Redmayne and Danny Vukovic combined (35). Inexplicable decision,’ wrote sports journalist Jake Rosengarten.
‘Yeah, but he’s never had a beer and a yarn with Arnie or Crawley, and that’s worth at least 15 clean sheets. G.A will always pick his mates first over the interest of the national team. That’s fact,’ replied a Twitter user.
Both keepers Redmayne and Vukovic, who are expected to be selected, have worked closely over the years with Graham Arnold (pictured) and Socceroos’ goalkeeping coach John Crawley
‘Thanks for calling out what we all know to be true. The bias towards his mates over clearly better players is staggering,’ wrote another.
The Socceroos take on France in their Group D opening match on November 23 (AEDT) before further matches against Tunisia (November 26, 9pm) and Denmark (December 1, 2am).