Australian Coach Optimistic About Irankunda

Nestory Irankunda, the 18-year-old winger who recently transferred from Adelaide United to Bayern Munich, is generating excitement in Australian soccer as Socceroos coach Graham Arnold believes he can handle the pressure of high expectations. Arnold emphasized the importance of surrounding Irankunda with the right support, noting his impressive pre-season performance with Bayern, where he scored twice and assisted three times. Irankunda's confidence has reportedly grown from training with world-class players like Harry Kane and Thomas Muller. As the Socceroos prepare for a crucial World Cup qualifier against Bahrain, Arnold is considering whether to start Irankunda or utilize him as a game-changing substitute. Arnold aims to avoid the pitfalls faced by previous Australian prospects who struggled in Europe, asserting that Irankunda has the mental and tactical discipline needed for success. The match against Bahrain is critical for the Socceroos' World Cup qualification hopes, with a strong start needed against a competitive group.