Socceroos appoints Tony Popovic as the new Gaffer

Socceroos has announced the appointment of Tony Popovic as the new head coach of the Australian men's team until the end of the 2026 World Cup. Popovic, 51, takes over from Graham Arnold, who resigned last week following a challenging start to the Socceroos' World Cup qualification in the Asia zone.

Popovic is widely recognized for leading the Western Sydney Wanderers to victory in the Asian Champions League in 2014 and has also succeeded with the Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory in Australia's A-League.

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Popovic's take on his new Role

Popovic felt extremely honoured to have the opportunity to lead the Australian Football team. He expressed that he understands the added responsibility that follows his role as a gaffer. He ascertained that guiding his nation is a privilege that he intends to take with utmost seriousness. 

“I am extremely honoured to be given this opportunity to lead the Socceroos as head coach" - Popovic stated

“It’s a role that comes with great responsibility, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity. To be entrusted with guiding our national team is a privilege that I do not take lightly."- he added.

FA executive asserted that the management made a swift decision to sign Popovic after the team's horrendous performance against Bahrain and Indonesia, which reflected their commitment to maintaining the momentum and success of the Socceroos program.

Popovic to rescue Socceroos 

Popovic, who earned 58 caps for Australia as a defender, has chosen not to extend his contract with the Victory for the upcoming A-League season. This decision paves the way for his potential immediate appointment to the Socceroos post, which will be timely for the crucial home World Cup qualifiers against China on Oct. 10 and a subsequent trip to Japan five days later.

Australia has yet to secure a win in their first two games of the third stage of qualifiers, following a surprising loss to Bahrain at home and a lacklustre 0-0 draw away to Indonesia. 

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