I’m not pestering him- Australian boss Arnold ventures into off-limits details about Tom Rogic

Graham Arnold has expanded on his recent comment about being concerned about Tom Rogic. 

The midfielder left Celtic in May and has still to commit himself to another club, along the way missing out the two play-off matches that took Australia to the World Cup Finals in Qatar. 

Arnold’s comment to Fox Sports sparked concerns that go beyond football but now, two weeks later he has put some content on those comments as Perth Now reports: 

I get asked whether I’ve heard from him but you understand I have to leave him alone as well. I know what Tommy’s like. I’ve known Tommy since 2010-11 and I’m not pestering him or sending him texts all the time. 

I sent one text quite a while ago to make sure that he was okay mentally and everything was fine and he replied ‘yes’ and that’s it. 

I’m here to give advice if that’s necessary but at the end of the day it’s up to Tommy and his agent to find what’s best for Tommy and then we as a national team, or me as the national team coach, work with him from that. 

International managers need to be very diplomatic, they effectively borrow players from clubs and although FIFA ensure that they must be released they very much belong to their club. 

Going public about concerns and discussing mental health in public isn’t likely to be appreciated by either players or their clubs. 

After nine years on the other side of the planet Rogic has some big decisions to take. The November World Cup Finals will be a big part of his decision making but there are other factors involved without the need for a running commentary on his career plans.