Popovic expects instant happiness as Socceroos coach

Tony Popovic says he's calm and expecting happiness on debut as Socceroos coach. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS)

Tony Popovic is calm, comfortable and expecting instant happiness on debut as Socceroos coach.

Popovic's tenure as Australia's coach starts with a vital World Cup qualifier against China in Adelaide on Thursday night.

And despite just having two days with the bulk of his squad to prepare, Popovic is bullish.

Asked how long he expected before being really happy with embedding his systems in the Socceroos, Popovic replied: "Tomorrow.

"I will be happy tomorrow. I am sure I will be happy tomorrow."

"It's been everything I was told to expect," Tony Popovic says ahead of his debut as Socceroos coach

While Popovic has been in Adelaide since last Friday, some Socceroos players didn't arrive in the South Australian capital until Tuesday night.

"There's some things out of our control but I don't want to use that as an excuse," he said.

"We feel we have enough time to show the players how we like to play and I'm sure the players have seen that, they're comfortable with it and they'll show some good signs of that tomorrow night.

"The limited preparation, of course everyone talks about that. But that is international football for the players and the staff.

"So we just look at it as finding solutions to the problems that may occur.

"Do it in a real positive manner. Do it with a lot of belief.

"Then we execute tomorrow night and tomorrow night is a chance at home to win the game, beat China, and get three points. And that's our focus.

"Of course it's still very early days. And I'm sure ... that we will definitely see signs of what we want tomorrow night, I'm sure of that.

"And then moving forward, I'm sure we will get better.

"And that's the goal: start tomorrow well, keep improving as we go along."

Popovic's first match in charge carries heavy ramifications for Australia's bid for direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The Socceroos' horror 1-0 loss to Bahrain on the Gold Coast, followed by scoreless draw in Indonesia in last month's fixtures, leave them in a perilous position.

Those results prompted Graham Arnold to end his eight-year tenure as coach - he announced his resignation on September 20 and Popovic's appointment was revealed three days later.

"It has been everything that I was told to expect," Popovic said.

Australia sit fifth in their group of six nations with just one point - ahead of only China, who have lost both their matches this phase - and travel to play unbeaten group leaders Japan (six points) in Saitama next Tuesday night.

Saudi Arabia (four points) hold second spot and only the top two nations secure direct passage to the '26 cup - the third-placed nation faces another qualifying phase.

"We have to take everything into consideration," Popovic said.

"And we are doing that but we're pretty calm about the process.

"We have got a very good group of players here. I'm very at ease with the decisions that have to be made."

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store