Former Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic will reportedly replace Graham Arnold as the coach of the Socceroos after the manager announced his bombshell exit last week.
An insider, who doesn’t wish to be named, has confirmed that Popovic will take the reins of the national team, reports News Corp.
Reports suggest that Popovic, who guided the Victory to the grand final last season, was approached about the job in June and it has impacted his decision not to re-sign as the Victory coach for next season.
On Friday, Football Australia CEO James Johnson said he was confident of making an appointment in the ‘next week or two’ to succeed Arnold.
‘We are already in the market for a new coach,’ he said.
‘We know who’s available and we will move quickly to appointing a permanent coach.’
Given the Socceroos’ next World Cup qualifying match is against China in Adelaide on October 10, an interim coach is unlikely.
‘We want a coach that’s tactically astute,’ Johnson added. ‘We also want a coach that understands the Australian mentality and our players.
Graham Arnold is on his way out of the top job he’s held since 2018
Tony Popovic is reportedly set to replace Arnold as coach of the national team
‘As an organisation, we must have confidence the coach we hire can guide us through a complicated Asian qualifying process (for the 2026 World Cup).
‘We’ve just got to get this appointment right.’
Arnold has been in dialogue with Football Australia over recent weeks, ironing out an exit strategy from a role he has held since 2018.
His departure comes after the Socceroos picked up just one point from a possible six in their opening two games of third-round World Cup qualifying against opponents they should have easily accounted for.
Australia fell to Bahrain earlier this month and then were held scoreless in a 0-0 draw with Indonesia.
FA released the following statement on Friday: ‘Graham Arnold, the longest-serving coach in Subway Socceroos history, will depart immediately from the role of head coach.
‘Arnold advised Football Australia earlier this week of his decision to resign from the role, which was accepted by the Board, with Football Australia now focused on appointing a new head coach ahead of the second window of Round Three AFC Asian Qualifiers.’
In his six-year reign, the 61-year-old has overseen Australia’s best-ever finish at a World Cup and two quarter-final exits at the Asian Cup.
‘Leading the Socceroos has been the pinnacle of my career and a true honour,’ Arnold said.
‘I’m incredibly proud of our achievements – from breaking records to nurturing new talent and making history on the global stage.
‘After careful consideration, I believe it’s time for fresh leadership to guide the team forward.
‘I’ve made the decision to resign based upon what’s best for the nation, the players and Football Australia.
‘I’ve given absolutely everything I can to the role, and I am immensely proud of what has been achieved during my tenure.’
