After Wednesday night's 3-0 loss to Liverpool, the Sky Blues head on holidays with most of their squad already buckled up for their title defence.

The signature of skipper Alex Brosque this week locked in Arnold's starting XI, with the exception of Filip Holosko, who returned to Europe in the absence of a new deal after his marquee place was taken by Johnny Warren Medal winner Milos Ninkovic.

And days after re-signing impact striker Matt Simon, Arnold is on the verge of keeping another two of his key bench players in Serbian midfielder Dimitrijevic and utility Carney.

"Milos has got a contract for another year, David Carney will re-sign," Arnold said.

"I'm very happy we've kept probably 19 of the squad and we've got enough money to bring in three or four.

"It's about improving the squad even more."

The only obvious remaining void is the right wing role vacated by Holosko, especially given the Slovakian's regular substitute Bernie Ibini has also left to try his luck in the MLS.

On that front, the wheels already appear to be in motion.

"(We're after) an exciting wide player, with Filip leaving," Arnold said.

"We've got our eye on a top player at the moment.

"Also a couple of good young boys who will strengthen the squad even more."

Arnold was pragmatic about his side's ANZ Stadium loss, seconding Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp's observation that Sydney were more motivated for the off-season break than a friendly kick-about - albeit with an English Premier League powerhouse.

Midfielder Brandon O'Neill said it had been tough after two weeks of heavy celebrating but still found the experience invaluable.

"They're next level, you can see the standard," O'Neill said.

"They've just travelled 24 hours on a plane, they come off and play like that first half.

"It was actually a joy to be involved being a young lad because I've never really experienced anything like that before in my life.

"Imagine if you got to train and play with them week in, week out. You'd be some player wouldn't you."