Australia coach Popovic says he happily turned down 4-year contract extension
SYDNEY: Australia coach Tony Popovic has revealed that he turned down a contract extension that would have kept him in the job until the 2030 World Cup, preferring to sign a deal only until the end of next year’s Asian Cup. The Socceroos reached the knockout stages of this year’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico before exiting on penalties at the hands of Egypt in the Round of…
Sydney, Australia – Australia's national soccer coach Tony Popovic has announced he turned down a lucrative four-year contract extension, opting instead to commit to the team until the conclusion of the 2025 Asian Cup. Popovic, who guided the Socceroos to the knockout rounds of the 2022 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, expressed his satisfaction with his decision, stating it provided Football Australia with the flexibility to reassess their strategy.
The 53-year-old former defender emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent, highlighting Australia's youngest squad at the World Cup as a testament to his coaching approach. Popovic anticipates a significant presence of young players at the upcoming Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, from January 7 to February 5, and remains optimistic about Australia's prospects to challenge for the title.
The team will be competing in Group D alongside Tajikistan, Iraq, and Singapore. Popovic expressed openness to leaving the role after the Asian Cup if Football Australia chooses to do so, emphasizing that he values the legacy he will leave behind and is open to allowing others to continue the team's journey.
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