I called it last week. Wait and see it happen.

He’s more defensive than Arnie, and historically favours older players than Arnie has. Would be a huge downgrade. 

If it's Popovic that's bad news imo. Some of the most dour football you can watch.

I'd say it'd be more of a sidestep than a downgrade. Different styles but much of a muchness.

yep agreed re Poppa, please NO and throw in Muscat as well you dreamers.
We can't keep persisting with our own imo, Ange is the only one worthy imo compared to any but I doubt that would be revisited (by him how treated).
We need a fresh new approach, its time, look afar FA.

I disagree about Muscat. A different level of manager and proven winner. Proven in Asian football. I'm not big on other local options. I'm worried we can't attract a big fish. We'll need to be thrifty and shrewd. 

IMO Muscat should be the one but depends if he can get out of his current contract and he wants it...

We don't need the big fish.

There are a lot of Sth Americans & coaches in eastern Europe that would not cost a lot. Look at the coach Bahrain has, coaches like him.
The Asian clubs has had a lot of success with these types of coaches.

I'm with you - no big fish, a small smart fish with International experience and an approach and style that has variety when in need.
Not another aussie who will do similar what we keep doing.
Another eg is the Morocco coach Walid, no big timer - ex player fair career but look what he achieved.
Good Jap coach would be interesting as well infact be damn good.
Hearing Muscat Poppa all I see what we've had in the past.
I mentioned Montgomery somewhere else in here, he's be the only one I'd think yer not a bad thought talking local.

No way in the world he gets in been woeful since his wsw days.

Gotta say I agree with you 100% ... I know, Im shocked too mate :P

Arnold, tactically defensive and a possession based game plan.
Popa, tactically defensive and counter attack game plan.

https://youtu.be/HsqmU3v0hVA?si=zmcLBW3woiwMK3y6

So many question marks with regards to the overall direction of the national team.

Do they go for someone that’s available without looking at the type of football we are playing or players that are selected?

Do we even have a style of play set by FA so how does Popa bring that into life?

A seperate question is did they push Arnie out so they can Popa as he’s free now?

Im starting to get the these guys are no different to the old FFA with how they manage the national teams, too much jobs for the boys vibes no wonder we underperform especially at junior level.

I wish Popa well but I’ve got a lot of doubts with the direction of the game here.

I guess we will never have a coach they play good football given how rigid the thinking the admin have for the sport.

Herve Reynard would've been my top choice if available. Next top pick would be Muscat.

Popa is a step backwards IMNSHO. Maybe he'll get a new coach bounce but he's got to pick the best players and play the right system - something Arnie didn't do which eventually cost him.

I think the word was Muscat not interested and Renard would be double Arnold's wage.

He is an interesting coach

Has achieved higher heights than arnie or ange when they took over, but unlike arnie or ange has had a couple of very poor seasons

So perhaps a bit rocks and diamonds in terms of results. Hope we get the diamonds. Also hope his gf record doesnt become important if we find ourselves in amust win

He will know a league and fringe roos which will help and he had used a tactical striker before so might get the best out of iredale and he has restored arzanis career

Who knows how he goes but i think we struggle for 13-18 points no matter who is in charge and would rather fan pressure be on our pathways

Good luck big poppa

Yeah I agree. It just seemed to be the tone of a lot of posts. 

Popovic has had one big accomplishment in his career. I'd take Arnold and Anges careers when they took over, over Popovic's. 

Apart from the acl he has won a few trophies right?

Agree ange and arnie were stronger

Can't afford an international manager 

Football is broke.....

Between Muscat Popa and Aloisi 

I'm picking Popa but honestly speaking none of the local guys are up to standard 

How does Aloisi come into this? He is lucky to have kept his club job after another poor season. 

Yeah no idea but it's easy being a journalist by just listing random names. England job always has someone at 100/1 for discussion matters. 

Good expectations management if u list someone really underqualified next to your prefferred candidate

He may be massively underqualified, but he has won a title, and he beat Popa in the semis to get it....

There is nothing confirmed in the media, except speculation Popa is expected to be announced as Aus coach.

If he is announced, I'm delighted.  As long as he keeps on with the policy of regenerating the team with youth.

I differ from a number of Melb Vic fans, in that  from last January when I subscribed to Paramount, MV played extremely good football on  the deck, but had trouble converting all the territory and possession domination into goal conversion.

Towards the end of the season Popa started playing the talented Jordi Valadon, to join other talented tyros, Villupillay and Teague. Plus we saw the resurgence of Daniel Arzani under Popa at MV.

Having an Aus coach in Popa, they tend not to just be just focused on the senior team results, but should have an overview of the national underage teams to fast-track talent to the Socceroo seniors. 

From the games I saw MV play last season, from January onwards, they played Nat Curric football. 

Plus Popa developed young players.

Who?

I wanted Popa gone at the Vuck. Mainly because conceding late goals cost us trophies last season. Plus, to get bums on seats in the AL, we need progressive coaches playing positive football and Popa is as boring as it gets.

However, we can't deny that he gets results and I think Popa-Ball can work in Asia. He has a proven track record. He is not my preferred choice (Renard was), but I think we could have done a lot worse.


Teague, Nish, Veladon and Bos are all going alright.