Tag: Tony Popovic

Marchan returns as Victory looks to make an on-pitch statement against Sydney FC

March 3, 2023

Rai Marchan’s return and Jake Brimmer’s injury have added new selection headaches for Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic ahead of this weekend’s potentially season-defining Big Blue against Sydney, but one thing is less clouded: he believes Victory remains the A-Leagues’ biggest club. Brimmer had successful surgery on Thursday after suffering a tear to the meniscus … More Marchan returns as Victory looks to make an on-pitch statement against Sydney FC

Victory targeting January reinforcement as D’Agostino eyes European move

January 20, 2023

Nicholas D’Agostino reportedly on the cusp of a European move and Luis Nani set for an extended period on the sidelines, Melbourne Victory boss Tony Popovic says that the club is looking for January reinforcements to join Bruno Fornaroli and Tomi Juric in its attack. A week on from losing Nani for the rest of … More Victory targeting January reinforcement as D’Agostino eyes European move

Popovic confident goals will come for Nani, Victory

January 5, 2023

Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic has backed Portuguese superstar Nani and the rest of his attack to find their form, with the reshuffled lineup he deployed against the Central Coast Mariners declared a “football decision”. Deployed up front alongside Ben Folami, Nani was once again solid without being spectacular in his side’s 2-1 loss to … More Popovic confident goals will come for Nani, Victory

City and Victory prepare for a Christmas Derby dripping in emotion, just not the kind anyone had anticipated

December 16, 2022

By Joey Lynch Derbies, the prevailing wisdom goes, are about more than just a football match. They’re supposed to be about pride, belonging, and the desire to represent your tribe against that most contemptible of foes: a familiar one. Eleven players on the field take on the added responsibility of not just needing to win … More City and Victory prepare for a Christmas Derby dripping in emotion, just not the kind anyone had anticipated

“I understand the fans and agree” – Popovic backs fan anger over A-Leagues grand final controversy

December 16, 2022

By Joey Lynch Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic has backed supporter anger over the A-Leagues’ decision to stage its next three grand finals in Sydney, saying that he “understands” plans to walk out of this weekend’s Melbourne Derby in protest of the decision and that he hopes the move can be reversed.  Controversy and fan … More “I understand the fans and agree” – Popovic backs fan anger over A-Leagues grand final controversy

Aloisi, Popovic would love to coach Socceroos, but acknowledge Arnold’s right of first refusal

December 9, 2022

Socceroo legend John Aloisi believes the nominally vacant national team post should be Graham Arnold’s if he wants it, but both he and Tony Popovic admit they would embrace a chance to take on the role if it one day becomes available. Though his organisation has yet to complete its review of the tournament, Football … More Aloisi, Popovic would love to coach Socceroos, but acknowledge Arnold’s right of first refusal

Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate: Victory and City ready to light the fuse on another Melbourne Derby

October 21, 2022

There’s nothing like a derby. The familiarity between two sporting foes breeding the best form of contempt, a derby contest will reliably elicit emotions, passion, joy, and despair like no other contest.  And with the Melbourne Derby on track to be one of the biggest fixtures since the COVID-19 pandemic, Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic … More Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate: Victory and City ready to light the fuse on another Melbourne Derby

“Confident and dynamic” Ikonomidis headlines Tony Popovic’s selection headaches

October 14, 2022

Melbourne Victory boss Tony Popovic has welcomed the selection headaches that have accompanied Chris Ikonimidis’ match-winning cameo against Sydney FC, with potentially more to come in the weeks ahead.  Introduced as a 62nd-minute substitute in round one’s Big Blue, it took just five minutes for Ikonomidis to latch onto a cross from Luis Nani and … More “Confident and dynamic” Ikonomidis headlines Tony Popovic’s selection headaches

Victory confident of avoiding FFA Cup hangover against Phoenix

February 8, 2022

Melbourne Victory certainly enjoyed winning their first trophy since the Heist in the Hunter on Saturday evening, but coach Tony Popovic says not to expect any sort of hangover in their A-League Men (ALM) clash with Wellington Phoenix on Wednesday evening.  Golazos from Jason Davidson and Chris Ikonomidis lifted Victory to their second FFA Cup … More Victory confident of avoiding FFA Cup hangover against Phoenix