The Matildas are entering their final preparations before the Asian Cup. The team has arrived in India and Mackenzie Arnold says the time has been valuable to adjust to the climate.
“It’s a little bit different to what we’re used to with a couple of us obviously being in the UK. We’re just acclimatising here and getting used to the heat and we’ll be heading over the India on Monday.”
The players are confined to a hub to stay COVID safe. Arnold says that the team is now used to bubble life having navigated it for the Olympics and numerous friendlies.
“We’ve had this style of camp for nearly two years now. This whole bubble situation and to be honest outside of the bubble we probably would still be together most of the time anyway.
“The place where we’re staying is quite nice and it still allows us to get out and about as much as we need to.
“It’s going to be the first time for a lot of us being over there so, it will be something different and a different experience but we’re all looking forward to it.”
Arnold is going into her second Asian Cup. In 2018 she was the eventual hero when Australia faced Thailand in the semi final.
After conceding twice then equalizing late, The Matildas were taken to a penalty shootout where Arnold made crucial saves to earn a place in the final.
Tony Gustavsson has yet to indicate who his first choice goalkeeper will be. Lydia Williams and Tegan Micah have been selected most recently, and Arnold is the most in-form currently playing option.
She is the first choice at West Ham United and the club are performing well. West Ham survived a relegation battle last season and Arnold was statistically the best custodian in the league as judged by the BBC.
Amid the discussions over who should don the gloves, Arnold is remaining focussed on what she can control.
“It’s quite a tough battle between the three of us and we’re all just trying to take it each session by each session .
“Tony’s got the way that he wants to play and I think he has a style of goalkeeper that he would like to put in there so obviously it’s up to him at the end of the day.”
Adjusting from the pressures of club football to the spotlight of an international tournament is something Arnold has taken in her stride.
She says despite the difference in tactics and opposition, her job remains relatively straight forward.
“Nothing changes too much especially being a goalkeeper. The ball is still trying to get in the back of the net. In terms of the team, we’re quite enjoying the way that we’re playing .
“We come from club to country. It’s a different environment that we come into. It’s a lot more intense…as professional footballers, that’s our job.
“It has become quite routine to us and that’s our job at the end of the day.”
