LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Graham Arnold has spilled the beans on how a yarn with footy legend Wayne Bennett helped him make the tough call to step down as coach of the Socceroos.
After six years at the helm, Arnold said sayonara to the national team last week.
Chatting on Fox Sports' The Back Page Live, the 61-year-old spilled the beans on how he decided it was time to pass the torch for the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Surprisingly, it all kicked off with a chat to Bennett, a mate of his, right after the Socceroos took a tumble against Bahrain on the Gold Coast.
Arnold reckoned it was time to hang up his coaching hat, and Bennett's advice sealed the deal.
"I've got a great relationship with Wayne and I always have," Arnold said.
"I spoke to him straight after the Bahrain game, because I've been feeling this way not just for one-game, I've been feeling this way for a number of months."
Arnold's decision to hand in the keys to the Socceroos' kingdom was no easy try, but with Bennett in his corner, he knew it was time to pass the baton.