Popovic appointment brings "hope" and "fire" for those on the Socceroo fringe
With Tony Popovic cautioning that nobody will be "entitled to that shirt," in his Socceroos, players like Jason Geria are feeling new levels of "hope" over their national team aspirations.
In his first public appearance as Australia’s new coach, Tony Popović seemingly moved to put its playing group on notice, cautioning that he wanted to ensure that “the players understand that no one is entitled to that shirt.” A warning, perhaps, for some who the 58-time Socceroo feels may become accustomed to call-ups during the time of Graham Arnold. For others, however, such as Melbourne Victory defender Jason Geria, the dawn of a new era in the Socceroos and the potential of a new, blank slate brings " hope " and a renewed fire in the belly for their national team aspirations.
After quickly emerging as the presumptive favourite for the role following Arnold’s surprise resignation last Friday, Popović, 51, was confirmed as the new coach of Australia’s men on Monday, signing a deal that will see him lead the side through the 2026 FIFA World Cup cycle.
Across a wide-reaching opening press conference, the newly installed manager spoke of seeking to rapidly implement a “speed and dynamic type of play,” in the side ahead of qualifiers against China and Japan next month as well as expressed excitement and belief in the talent of the players that he would be working with. This, however, was accompanied by a clear reinforcement that selection for the national side should be considered an honour, one that would always have to be earned.
“We always wore that shirt with integrity, and we wore it as a privilege, as a badge of honour,” said the coach. “We never took it for granted … I want to make sure that the players understand that no one is entitled to that shirt, regardless of talent, regardless of age.
“Those values, which I know exist, can sometimes fade away or can sometimes get lost. We need to make sure that every player understands that honour is number one, to wear the shirt and wear it with pride and represent your country and your family.”
For those such as Geria, who spent the past three seasons under Popović, any hints of a shake-up will inevitably pique interest. The 31-year-old has consistently been amongst one of the better-performing right-backs throughout his second stint at AAMI Park but, for now, his lone Socceroos call-up remains a 2016 friendly against Greece under Ange Postecoglou.
Inevitably, there exists a natural inclination to link any coach with their former players in clubland following their ascension to a national team role. He’s aware of this. But, just as much Popović’s message serves as an exhortation to the existing squad, the defender believes the new coach’s message will have also been heard loud and clear by those on its fringes. Which, perhaps, was just as much the coach’s intention.
“You always want to be picked on merit,” Geria told JDL Media. “That's the main thing.
“I won't lie, I feel like over the last few years I've done enough to at least deserve one opportunity. Which I didn't get for whatever reason. That's fine.
“Now that [Popović is coach], I wouldn't want to be picked based on a relationship. I still want to be on merit. And that means just taking care of what I have to do here. If an opportunity comes, of course, I'd be really appreciative of that.
“I think a new coach brings, for a lot of players who have probably felt this similar way to me, it brings hope. It brings fire to the belly and it's really something to work towards -- on top of, of course, achievements with your club.
“If you feel like the playing field is level again that brings renewed passion and hunger and a drive to strive to be a lot better again.
“A lot of players at this club, around the A-League, and around the world, who will now be thinking in their heads, 'okay, I have a shot now' and will be working their backsides off to get an opportunity.”
And regardless of whether or not his play justifies a place in Popović’s plans in the months and year ahead – between injuries and adverse club form the right-back position remains in flux for the Socceroos, filled by converted centre-back Alessandro Circati during the last window – the Victory defender feels that the new coach is ready for the role and will be able to quickly drive change.
“I think he's done his A-League apprenticeship. He's coached at several clubs and had success at several clubs and really left his mark on the league. He's been one of the greatest coaches in this league over its 20 years. I think he's ready for the gig.
“He's the type of coach that can really drive a culture. There will be a lot of structure, a lot of discipline, a lot of hard work, and really bringing back how valuable one cap is, let alone one camp or one tournament is for a player and how privileged you know you need to be able to play for your country. I think he's the perfect person to bring that back.”