Arnold has been buoyed by steering a group of virtual strangers with precious little club first team minutes between them to the final stage of qualifying for the next installment of the Games.
But he is under no illusions that, without a significant uptick in funding from the ruling body and also government grants, the promise shown by a 24-strong group of rookies at AFC Championship qualifiers over the past 16 days might be squandered.
“This group are vital for the growth of the Socceroos down the track,” said Arnold after Tuesday night’s 2-2 draw with Korea Republic in Phnom Penh sealed a spot in January’s last Tokyo hurdle in Thailand.
“Their development program must continue, and as soon as I get back there will a very firm discussion with FFA (on enhanced backing and support).
“The government (in terms of subsidies) also needs to step in and help these kids, otherwise the growth of the Socceroos won’t happen.
“Funds must be found, preparation cannot be what it’s been in the past.
“Asia is very tough and our preparation with this group of players needs to get much better than it has been.
“There have to be training camps and games in every FIFA window to help develop these boys.
“These kids have one chance in a lifetime to play at an Olympics as a springboard to the senior team.
“We need to provide them with everything they need to make that progression.”
Arnold’s insistence on standing up to disgruntled A-League coaches by picking his best possible squad for a seven-day preparation camp in Kuala Lumpur paid off with 6-0 wins over hosts Cambodia on their plastic pitch and Chinese Taipei by the same scoreline laying the foundations for a happy ending to qualifying.
“As Socceroos coach, the Olyroos was a job I didn’t have to do but I care so much about making sure there’s a pathway for these kids to the senior team that I felt compelled to take it on,” he emphasised.
Arnold’s warning over the importance of that nexus is backed up by compelling stats, with the likes of ex-Australia stars Mark Bresciano, Vince Grella, Jason Culina, Brett Holman and Carl Valeri all debuting for the Socceroos after an Olympic campaign and going on to amass 303 senior caps between them.
“Those sorts of figures show how important the current Olympic qualifying campaign is,” added Arnold.
“These three games showed why they need more preparation and need to be together longer to handle pressure better.
“But the kids did a fantastic job and I’m very proud of them. The six goals against Cambodia in our first game was, for me, what proved crucial in the end.
“Yes, the game against South Korea was big also, very big in getting that extra point. But the Cambodia result is what got us over the line.
“If we’d turned up cold and won by maybe one or two goals we’d have risked failing to qualify and being knocked out on goal difference.
“Tournament situations are about winning every game and when you score heavily it’s like having an extra point (in terms of goal difference). Scoring 14 goals and conceding only two was a great achievement.
“The week in Malaysia was invaluable for us on multiple levels. And the first half, in particular, against South Korea was really excellent.
“Second half, to be honest, they ran out of legs a bit because they don’t play every week (for their clubs).
“It was a really enjoyable 16 days and I loved coaching this group for every single minute.
“They kept believing in themselves and showed me that with the right preparation and with this program continuing there are at least five or six future Socceroos in that group of players.
“The heat and conditions plus the artificial pitch were also big challenges for the boys and this group ticked every box.”
