Melbourne Victory will give Tony Popovic free rein to overhaul the struggling A-League club when he takes over as head coach in July.
The former Socceroos defender’s appointment on a three-year deal was confirmed on Thursday, less than a week after Grant Brebner’s exit following last Sunday’s humiliating 7-0 loss to Melbourne City at AAMI Park.
The 47-year-old, who has had successful stints in charge of Western Sydney and Perth Glory, will return to the A-League after being sacked by Xanthi in February following nine games in charge of the Greek second division club.
Once a powerhouse, Victory have struggled following the end of Kevin Muscat’s successful six-year spell in May 2019 with Marco Kurz, Carlos Salvachua and Brebner all coming and going as head coaches.
In a statement to members, Victory chairman Anthony Di Pietro said Popovic would be given carte blanche to overhaul all aspects of the club’s underperforming football department.
“As is always the way at Melbourne Victory, Tony as head coach will be responsible for the entire A-League program overseeing support staff, recruitment, list management and our A-League playing style and performance,” Di Pietro said.
Popovic’s success as a coach, including a historic Asian Champions League win in 2014 with the Wanderers and two A-League premierships, made him the leading candidate to replace Brebner, Di Pietro said.
“He is a proven head coach who is strong and clear in his approach and we are confident that he is the right man to take our football program forward,” Di Pietro said.
Englishman Steve Kean will lead Victory for the remainder of the 2020-21 campaign as the club aims to avoid the first wooden spoon in its history.
With Popovic’s arrival imminent, Di Pietro said it was clear to the club’s current players their futures were on the line over the last few weeks of the season.
“It is going to be a challenge given the circumstances we are in and with a depleted squad,” he said.
“However, the club’s expectation is that all our current players show intent and a determined fighting spirit.”
Victory face Popovic’s old club Western Sydney at Marvel Stadium on Friday.
coolncold
Roar Rookie
Why you put up 5 difficult ones? TK said easy.
coolncold
Roar Rookie
Okay, I ve never seen him being interviewed. I just get the Melbourne kids to play. Easy!
TheSecretScout
Roar Guru
4 and 5 arent easy at all. poppas is notoriously difficult with the media, and melbourne have neglected there own homegrown youth for many years
coolncold
Roar Rookie
ps Please tell the easy ones only.
coolncold
Roar Rookie
TK said: "KPI’s should be easy for him to hit." However, your KPIs are so difficult, excepting (4) and (5).
TheSecretScout
Roar Guru
1) top 2 2) get the fans back on side 3) attractive football 4) represent the club better in the media 5) play homegrown melbourne kids id assume his objectives would be something along those lines, i think he’ll fail on most of them lol
coolncold
Roar Rookie
What are the key performance indicators? I can only think of one. 1) Top 4 in the 2021/2022 season. 2) ? 3) ? 4) ? 5) ? Please advise for me to learn.
TheSecretScout
Roar Guru
biggest job of his career IMO, that is a full rebuild.
Franko
Guest
For me it's just the wrong cultural fit. Poppa is a good coach and has had success with both WSW and Perth, this isn't about his ability as a coach, he gets results. He just seems to me like an outsider that will have a tough time aligning all the stakeholders required and getting buy-in. Can see why the board would go for him though, a safe bet, even if I'd have preferred John Anastasiadis, Arthur Pappas or even Harry Kewell.
TK
Guest
KPI's should be easy for him to hit. Surely can't do worse than the last fella.
coolncold
Roar Rookie
Have Popovic's sons also signed?
Grem
Roar Rookie
The derbies will be good again. No more 6-0 and 7-0 wins.
Marcel
Guest
Really?....the guy is Mou-lite.... extremely lite in fact....we already know exactly how this is going to work out 18mths time.
Skoose
Roar Rookie
All the other clubs should look to take on Victory’s most promising youngsters as they’re unlikely to get a chance at Victory next season. Interesting to see if Popovics star power (ex EPL) will attract the quality players for a 3rd time.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Next season already starting to look very interesting and we haven't yet finished with this season! I wonder what brand of tiki-taka Popa is going to instill in his new chargers and will the Victory faithful buy into his style. Soooo many juicy questions. The soap opera continues ..... :laughing: