Melbourne Victory has announced the appointment of Tony Popovic, the Asian Champions League coach, as the club’s new manager.
Popovic will take over the fighting Victory for the next three seasons starting in July, during the basement of the A-League is trying to return to previous successes. The club will end up in last place in the league this season after a bad season last year.
The former Wanderers and Glory coach is the replacement for Grant Brebner, who lost 7-0 to Melbourne City was sacked. Steve Kean will serve as interim boss for the remainder of the season. Victory chairman Anthony Di Pietro is pleased to announce Popovic as the club’s new coach. He first emailed members to alert members before publicly announcing the news.
« I’m very excited to announce Tony’s appointment as Melbourne Victory head coach, » said Di Pietro of a statement on the official website of the club.
« He is a proven head coach who is strong and clear and we are confident that he is the right man to move our football program forward. »
« Tony will officially take over the A-League position of Melbourne Victory head coach in July and oversee the entire A-League program. As with all of our head coaches, Tony will be given the authority to review and develop his team. » the field.
« Tony will be very interested in our current squad and our structure over the next six weeks and will consider what he needs to build a successful team in the future. »
Popovic, who has been im February was unemployed, was thrilled to embark on a new trip to one of the largest clubs in the A-League.
The 47-year-old has set an excellent A-League record with both Western Sydney Wanderers and Perth Glory won a premiers plate. In 2014 he led the former to a title in the Asian Champions League.
He has also reached the A-League grand finals four times, but has yet to win an A-League championship.
« I am very proud and excited to be named Melbourne Victory head coach from next season, « said Popovic.
« I’ve watched the club from afar as a player and coach. Melbourne Victory is a proud club known throughout the A-League for its strong culture and passionate membership and fan base.
« I’m really looking forward to being a part of it and being appointed head coach is a great honor. I know there is still a lot of hard work ahead of us as we prepare for the next phase of success at the club. «
Melbourne Victory is at the bottom of the A-League table with just three wins and 11 points from their 16 games so far this season.
Brebner joined after the humiliating defeat against Derby rivals Melbourne City seven goals sacked – just over a month after being beaten 6-0 by the same opposition
Ref: https://www.sportingnews.com