Tony Popovic, head coach of the Australian men's national football team, has expressed his readiness to extend his contract for a long period with the team, following the Asian Football Confederation's decision to postpone the 2027 Asian Cup and rebuild it for new preparations for the continental tournament. Popovic said during a video conversation from Doha, the Qatari capital, on Monday: "Yes, I am very open to all possibilities as I was in June, and I am sure we will have discussions."
The Australian coach added that he is very happy in his position, considering it an honor and a privilege that he recognizes the value of and cherishes. He clarified that the postponement of the tournament has helped him focus more on discovering talents and trying new players, noting that the postponement shifts the focus for 12 months towards integrating new elements into the squad.
For his part, Popovic rejected extending his contract for four years with the Australian Football Federation, which would have kept him in his position until the 2030 World Cup, and preferred to sign a contract lasting until the original deadline of the Asian Cup. After the announcement of the tournament's postponement to 2028, he confirmed that he might agree to a long-term contract based on the results of negotiations.
Popovic took over duties from Graham Arnold in late 2024, leading Australia to qualify for the first edition of the World Cup featuring 48 teams, where the team reached the Round of 32. Australia plays against Qatar, the Asian Cup holder, in Doha next Friday, before facing Jordan in another friendly match in Amman the following week.
Popovic announced last Saturday a squad of 25 players for the two friendly matches, including seven players who have not previously participated with the Australian national team, including Dezley Herington, a central defender for Central Coast Mariners, who is accompanied in the team ranks by Lucas, his younger brother.
Source: Arriyadiyah newspaper
Comments (0)