Australia Coach Tony Popovic Rejects Contract Extension

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Australia national football team coach Tony Popovic has revealed that he rejected a four-year contract extension that would have kept him in charge through the 2030 World Cup, choosing instead to remain in the role only until the end of next year’s Asian Cup.

The Socceroos reached the knockout stage of this year’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico before Egypt eliminated them on penalties in the Round of 32.

“It was my choice to go through to the Asian Cup. Although I was offered a four-year contract, I decided to go to the Asian Cup and I think that’s something I feel good about,” Popovic told reporters.

“It gives Football Australia the opportunity, if they want, to make a different decision, and I’m very comfortable with the decision that was made,” he added.

Popovic replaced Graham Arnold in late 2024 and guided Australia to qualification for the first 48-team World Cup.

The 53-year-old former Socceroos defender said he still enjoys his role, particularly the opportunity to develop Australia’s emerging young talent.

Popovic Targets Asian Cup Success

Australia fielded the youngest squad at the World Cup, and Popovic expects plenty of young talent to feature at the Asian Cup, which will take place in Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5.

“There will probably be a lot of young players at the Asian Cup, and that will happen without losing the expectation that I believe we need to be demanding at the Asian Cup,” Popovic said.

“Once you get there, you want to win it. I think that needs to happen for Australia.”

Australia won its only Asian Cup title on home soil in 2015 and will face Tajikistan, Iraq and Singapore in Group D at next year’s tournament.

“I know the legacy that I will leave behind. And if someone else takes it forward, that’s fine. If it’s me, great, we agree to do this together,” the experienced coach said.

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