Popovic Declines Four-Year Socceroos Extension

Spread the love Arabic version: بوبوفيتش يرفض تمديد عقده مع سوكيروز لأربع سنوات According to ABC News, Socceroos coach Tony Popovic turned down a four-year Football Australia contract extension that would have taken his tenure through to the 2030 World Cup. Instead, he signed a six-month extension during the World Cup to remain in charge through the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, which begins in January. 'It was my choice to go until the Asian Cup. Although I was offered a four-year deal, I decided to go to the Asian Cup,' Popovic told journalists on Tuesday. He said the arrangement gave Football Australia the opportunity to make a different decision if it chose, adding that he was comfortable with the decision. Popovic led Australia to the round of 32 at the World Cup in the United States, where the Socceroos lost to Egypt in a penalty shoot-out. The side beat Türkiye, lost to the United States and drew with Paraguay before the match against Egypt. Australia had the youngest squad of the 48 nations at the tournament, with an average age of 25 years and 155 days. Asked whether he wanted to continue coaching the national side, Popovic said he loved the role but focused on the team's future and its young players. He said he would be content with the legacy left after the Asian Cup, whether he or another coach takes the group forward. The Socceroos' first Asian Cup match is against Singapore on January 9, while friendlies against Brazil are scheduled in Townsville and Brisbane later this month.