- Report suggests Tony Popovic will replace Graham Arnold
- Popovic was reportedly approached for a job in June
- Graham Arnold has held the top position since 2018
Former Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic is reportedly set to replace Graham Arnold as coach of the Socceroos after the manager announced his departure last week.
An insider, who wished to remain anonymous, has confirmed that Popovic will take charge of the national team. News Corp reports.
Popovic, who led Victory to the final last season, was reportedly approached for the job in June and this influenced his decision not to re-sign as Victory coach for next season.
On Friday, Football Australia CEO James Johnson said he was confident an appointment could be made as Arnold’s successor within “the next week or two”.
“We are already looking for a new coach,” he said.
‘We know who is available and will quickly appoint a permanent coach.’
With the Socceroos’ next World Cup qualifier against China in Adelaide on October 10, it is unlikely that an interim coach will be appointed.
“We want a coach who is tactically astute,” Johnson added. “We also want a coach who understands the Australian mentality and our players.
Graham Arnold is on his way out of his top job, which he has held since 2018
Tony Popovic would replace Arnold as coach of the national team
‘As an organisation, we need to be confident that the coach we hire can guide us through the complicated Asian qualification process (for the 2026 World Cup).
“We just have to make this appointment right.”
Arnold has been in talks with Football Australia in recent weeks to map out an exit strategy for a role he has held since 2018.
His departure comes after the Socceroos took just one of a possible six points from their opening two games of the third round of World Cup qualifying against opponents they could have easily dealt with.
Australia lost to Bahrain earlier this month and then drew 0-0 with Indonesia.
The FA released the following statement on Friday: ‘Graham Arnold, the longest-serving manager in Subway Socceroos history, will step down as head manager with immediate effect.
‘Arnold informed Football Australia earlier this week of his decision to step down. The board has agreed to this. Football Australia will now focus on appointing a new head coach ahead of the second transfer window of the third round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers.’
The 61-year-old led the Socceroos to their best ever performance at a World Cup when they narrowly lost to Argentina in the round of 16 in Qatar
In his six years in charge, the 61-year-old Australian has helped produce his best-ever World Cup performance and two Asian Cup quarter-final exits.
“Leadership of the Socceroos is the pinnacle of my career and a true honour,” said Arnold.
‘I am incredibly proud of our achievements: from breaking records to nurturing new talent and making history on the world stage.
‘After careful consideration, I believe it is time for new leadership to lead the team moving forward.
“I have decided to step down based on what is best for the country, the players and Football Australia.
“I have given absolutely everything I could in this role and I am immensely proud of what I have achieved during my tenure.”