Subway Socceroos midfielder Jackson Irvine believes “intensity has gone up” since Tony Popovic’s arrival as head coach and is excited by the opportunity that his appointment brings.
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Irvine, who was announced as the 2024 PFA Men’s Footballer of the Year earlier today, believes the Australia squad are well-equipped to meet the demands of Popovic and his coaching staff.
Ahead of our third FIFA World Cup 2026™ Round Three qualifier against China PR at Adelaide Oval tomorrow night, the 31-year-old midfielder faced the media.
On the vibe in camp under new head coach Tony Popovic
Obviously, I’m excited. Change brings a new opportunity for everybody, individually and collectively. It gives us a chance to adapt and for something new, and here in Australia, in front of what's going to be a great crowd, it’s a massive game, pressure, all the good stuff that makes us step up our game.
On the pressure of this window
We understand the circumstances surrounding the game, but it’s such a good group of players and great characters that are capable of performing under that pressure, but also putting it to one side and focusing on just getting the performance right. And when we get that right, then the result will come.
On whether he expects Popovic to make many changes to the side
It’s tough to say - we'll get a few more ideas of how that's going to look tonight at training. But, for us, everyone's on their toes. Everyone knows that. When change happens, what was the status quo before is definitely not going to be the case, and you've got to be sharp and ready, and that's the expectation we always have within this group. But, obviously that's amplified when a new situation comes up.
On whether Adelaide is a lucky charm for the Socceroos
We've got a good history here. I was lucky enough to be here last time we played and it was a cracking result [versus Saudi Arabia] and a great night. If we can harness a bit of that energy that we've had here in the past, it will go well for us tomorrow.
On Popovic bringing a new level of intensity to the team
I think the initial demand for intensity from him is probably what draws that out in a lot of ways, because we've got the players that are capable of playing that way. Everyone's got to bring that new intensity and that new dynamic and energy that we need to lift. And in a new situation like this, it brings that out in people naturally.
On if he’s felt a difference with Popa already
The Australian football community is a tight knit one. So obviously everyone knows each other, whether it's a past player or players that have worked under staff members. There has definitely been a change in the environment already, the intensity has gone up. And, as I say, I think that comes naturally with the change. But the demand from him from our initial conversations, is that's going to be the one thing, the standard that we have to really raise, that he wants to see from the group.
On the players getting used to a new coach
In football, you're exposed to so many different characters throughout it, and I think a lot of the guys will understand how the different dynamics work with different staff, coaches and leaders. That environment - the culture that we've built here - remains, even through that. So, of course, as leaders, we have to adapt a bit as well, and we have to push the messaging and support the staff and what they're trying to get across, especially to the younger players, but, for ourselves, we have to take that on board and do it as well to perform and make sure that we're doing what's asked of us.
On being voted the 2024 PFA Men’s Footballer of the Year
It's one of the highlights of my international career - being an Australian footballer and being voted by your peers is very special, not something I take lightly, and especially among so many guys who had incredible years last season as well. So, I’m very honoured. Hopefully, those performances can continue into the next year.
On how his South Australian teammates must be feeling ahead of playing in their hometown
I think they've been waiting for it for a while. You can definitely feel that. But, speaking to Joey [Gauci] - I flew with him here - you could feel the buzz that he had to be coming home to represent his national team in his hometown. I've been there as a player, and the first time you do it, there's nothing quite like it. It is a special moment in front of family and friends. So there's a number of them that will be itching to get out there tomorrow night and make sure they make everyone proud.
On Nestory Irankunda’s rise
He's another one that has close ties to his club here and his community here, and he's desperate to show what he can do. And obviously, he's made the huge step to Germany this season, one of the biggest clubs [Bayern Munich] in the world. And being involved through that pre-season, and on the bench a couple of times as well, shows the level that he's performing at to even be in that conversation, but even adapting to playing in the second team and in fourth division in German football - I’ve played against many teams in the cup of that level - he'll be learning a lot even playing at that standard. So, obviously, we're all excited for what his career is going to bring, but he's focusing on small steps at the minute, and it's doing him well.
On working with Paul Okon previously
Yeah, I worked with Paulo in the under 20s at the U20 World Cup. The first time I wore the armband for Australia was at the U20 World Cup under Paul and he gave me my first call up to any national team. So I've got a good relationship, a close relationship, with him. I'm looking forward to getting the chance to work with him closely again and Foxey [Hayden Foxe], of course. These guys are household names in Australian football, and their experience, both as players and staff, will be something that we lean on moving forward, that's for sure.
On Riley McGree and Ajdin Hrustic being back in the squad
They give us a totally different option within those positions. It's great to have different players with different qualities that can play within similar roles and offer different things. And we know with Ajdin and Riley, with the quality that they have - particularly in the final third - and after a frustrating time with injuries, they'll be itching to get back into the team. The quality that they have can probably free up different roles for other players as well.
On the different challenges that await in China PR and Japan
Match plans will be put together by the staff and the players and the one thing this group has always been is very adaptable. We've shown we can play under whatever circumstances within certain games. We've got enough experience to manage ourselves through that. They could potentially be two different games, or they might not be. We will go into them and focus on the principles and the match plan given by the staff and then whichever way the game develops, we'll be ready to manage it.
On the importance of the home crowd
The crowd's always important. They can give you that extra lift, particularly in the tough moments. But of course, when you're riding that wave as well, when you've had a good moment, you know that they can keep pushing forward as well. And we expect the crowd to be right behind us all game tomorrow.
Match Details
Subway Socceroos v China PR
Thursday, 10 October 2024
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Kick-off: 7:30 pm ACDT (8:00pm AEDT)
Tickets: Start from $15 Child, $20 Concession, $29 Adult, and $58 Family. Tickets from Ticketek.
Broadcast: 10, 10 Play and Paramount+
Japan v Subway Socceroos
Tuesday 15 October 2024
Saitama Stadium 2002, Tokyo
Kick-off: 7.35pm local (9.35pm AEDT)
Broadcast: Paramount+