Newly installed Australia coach Tony Popovic has wasted no time putting Socceroos players on notice, warning prospective members of his set-up that nobody will be handed a jersey on reputation.
In an impressive first press conference confirming him as Graham Arnold’s replacement, the straight-talking Popovic told reporters in Sydney on Monday that he wanted his side to “play better than the Socceroos have ever played”.
The former Crystal Palace defender, who has been out of work since leaving Melbourne Victory in June, takes over from Arnold on a two-year deal that runs until the end of the 2026 World Cup in North America.
The Socceroos, who sit second bottom in Group C with just one point, face China in Adelaide on October 10, before heading to take on Japan in Saitama on October 15.
Popovic inherits a squad that has struggled in the opening two games of the third round of qualifiers, after a loss to Bahrain and a draw with Indonesia ended Arnold’s tenure.
But Popovic, a member of Australia’s golden generation, wants to break new ground with the Socceroos by bringing players into an environment that replicates the one in which he won 58 caps.
“I just want to make sure that the players understand that no one is entitled to that shirt, regardless of talent, regardless of age,” he said.
“We need to (feel) honoured to be wearing that shirt and to be called up for the Socceroos and we need those values, which I know exist, but can sometimes fade away or get lost.
“We need to make sure that every player understands that honour, to wear the shirt and wear it with pride and to represent your country and your family.
“That’s the first part that (has to be) instilled with this group, and the second part is that we play better than the Socceroos have ever played.”
Popovic has been living in Croatia since leaving Victory, and insisted he would base himself in Australia for the duration of his contract.
While the Socceroos’ hopes of automatically qualifying for the 2026 tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico is under threat, Popovic is refusing to play down Australia’s chances of topping their group.
“I was always brought up (with the mantra) that anything is possible from my parents,” Popovic said.
“I’ve had that as a young player, as a senior player, as a coach, anything is possible.
“You always dreamed that this role might be possible. Now I’m dreaming that it’s possible that we come first in the group.
“I’m dreaming that it’s possible to do something special at the World Cup, but I also know that dream is just one part of it, you’ve got to work to do something special.”
Arnold was frequently criticised for his tactical approach while in charge of Australia, with the Socceroos accused of lacking attacking spark.
Popovic said he will always seek to evolve Australia’s style, but warned that it could not come at the cost of results.
“We should look to improve, but qualifying is not easy,” he said.
“How many in the last five World Cups, how many times have we gone through automatically?
“You ask any coach, it’s OK to win ugly, and that’s not to say that you’re planning to play that way.
“When you win is actually when you should be even more detailed on how you should get better.
“I’ll never be satisfied when we win and we don’t play well.”
