Tony Popovic. Photo: photosport
Tony Popovic has been named the new head coach of the Socceroos, taking over after the sudden resignation of Graham Arnold.
The 51-year-old was announced as the new coach by Football Australia on Monday.
His appointment follows the departure of Arnold, who suffered a pair of disappointing results in the current phase of World Cup qualification, putting the Socceroos on the backfoot.
Popovic described it as "a dream come true" and rejected suggestions it was not a good time to come in as coach.
"It's the best time to take it (the role)," he said.
"Results can sometimes mask when something's good ... look at the history of what's been done, a group of players that did remarkable things over there (in Qatar)...
"Five years ago I wasn't ready for this role, three years ago I wouldn't have looked at this. I'm ready."
Asked whether there would be any handover between him and Arnold, Popovic replied that there would not, and that he and his team would work quickly to work out what was needed ahead of the "very important game against China" on October 10.
Questioned about the team's playing style, Popovic said that winning was the primary focus.
"It's always OK to win ugly," he said, before clarifying that his team would not go out with the intent of doing so.
"I'll be satisfied with a win, but we need to make sure that our style keeps improving."
The Socceroos had only qualified automatically for two out of the past five World Cups.
"It's not easy," he said.
However Popovic said that until it was no longer possible, Australia's goal and focus should be to get to the top spot and a direct path to the 2026 finals.
Popovic hinted at possible personnel changes going into the big games ahead.
"There won't be change for change's sake," he said.
Likewise with the players. If new players come in, it will not just be to give someone an opportunity.
"We must honour the shirt. Anyone who deserves a chance will get one.
"I want to make sure that the players understand that no-one is entitled to that shirt, regardless of talent or age.
"We need to be honoured to wear that shirt and be called up for the Socceroos."
Popovic has been out of work since leaving Melbourne Victory following their A-League Men grand final loss to the Central Coast Mariners.
The former defender has been living in Croatia since he opted against renewing his contract with Victory, and he confirmed that he would be relocating to Australia to base himself here for his new role.
He was arguably the most well-credentialed candidate available to FA given he has worked as an assistant at Crystal Palace and taken charge of clubs in Türkiye and Greece.
Popovic has enjoyed most success as a head coach in Australia, guiding the Western Sydney Wanderers to Asian Champions League glory in 2014, lifting the ALM premiership with Perth Glory, and the Australia Cup with Victory.
He had previously been in the running for the Socceroos job in 2013, receiving a ringing endorsement from Tim Cahill before losing out to Ange Postecoglou.
Coach Tony Popovic of the Victory. Photo: Masanori Udagawa/Photosport
Popovic will be charged with ensuring Australia continues its run of qualifying for the World Cup, which stretches back to 2006 and is under threat after the last two games of Arnold's reign.
Arnold ended his six-year tenure with a 1-0 loss at home to Bahrain and a 0-0 draw away to Indonesia, leaving his successor facing an uphill task to qualify automatically.
Should the Socceroos fail to finish in the top two spots in Group C, there are two further rounds of matches that can help stamp their ticket to the expanded 2026 World Cup.
Popovic will take control of his first match against China in Adelaide on October 10, before an away trip to face unbeaten group leader Japan five days later.
He will have a little over a week to finalise a squad of players for October's matches and must quickly figure out a way to break down stoic Asian defences that proved to be Arnold's undoing in the final matches of his tenure.
- ABC
