Popovic after China PR and Japan: We're building the foundations
Following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against rivals Japan at Saitama Stadium 2002, Subway Socceroos Head Coach Tony Popovic was full of praise for his players when he spoke at last night's official post-match press conference.
Despite difficult circumstances - including a major traffic jam caused by an accident, which saw Australia arrive at Saitama Stadium 2002 just 40 minutes before kickoff - the Green and Gold fought valiantly to go unbeaten in Popovic's first window as head coach.
Popovic spoke about the strong defensive display against Samurai Blue, where the Socceroos will look to improve, his ambition of consistently challenging Japan in the future and more when he faced the media in Saitama on Tuesday night.
Here's what he had to say.
On the 1-1 draw with Japan
The result is a good one for us. With the current situation coming to Japan - that’s the first goal they’ve conceded (in the qualifiers) - so they’re an excellent team that’s been together for a very long time. We’ve had four training sessions together, so there’s been a lot of change, but not using that as an excuse, we’re happy with a point. We came here to win and had an opportunity by leading 1-0, but we have something to build on. Our aspirations are to challenge Japan at a better level than what we played today, and that’s the goal for us.
On arriving late to Saitama Stadium 2002
We had a lot of difficulties arriving here. We were told it would take maximum 90 minutes, but it took us 2 hours and 15 minutes, so not ideal preparation, but we didn’t use that as an excuse. The players and staff were fantastic. We had a very short warm-up, the players had 10 minutes to get ready and we just dealt with the situation and they put in a fantastic performance.
On the performance against Japan
It was a very resolute display defensively. We came up against a nation that has scored 14 goals in three games now. They have a first 11 that all play in Europe, in the top leagues in the world. So to keep them to very minimal [chances] - obviously they’ll always have their moments because they have the quality - it’s a very good display. Not just from the defenders, but I think as a team, we were very well-structured and organised. We can do much better with the ball, and that’s a goal for us to move forward and keep working on that aspect of our game. But without that desire, without that will to win, you start off without a chance.
On the changes to the starting XI
We made a lot of changes. One was forced due to illness - Aiden O’Neill - he’s been ill for the last two days, unfortunately. The changes are based on the freshness and the ability to back up at the level we need to play, considering that a lot of the players are not playing regular football or just started to play for their clubs after injury. So, to back up to playing Japan at this intensity is very difficult, and so we want to get to that point that players can do that in both games. The players that came in did a great job. Luke Brattan made his debut at 34 years old. Yes, it was difficult in the first half for everyone on the ball, but that’s the type of player we are looking for in the midfield. We want to have one technical player, so we’ll be searching for that definitely, and I’m sure it’s a special day for Brattan today.
On where he's looking to improve
That’s an area we have to improve [creating chances]. Many previous sides have had that same problem against Japan. It’s not just the area that we need to improve, but we have to improve all areas. It’s not just creativity, we have to improve all over the park because we are aspiring to be challenging Japan, challenging them regularly as the best team in Asia. To do that, we know we have to improve. But if you look at just today, that’s a fantastic display. Brilliant display today, and hopefully that gives players confidence moving forward. We’re building the foundations, and hopefully next camp, we can add some more layers to our pool.
On his overview of the October window
Overall, I'm very happy with this window - new coach, new coaching staff, new players, some players making their debut. It’s four points from two games, so this window is good. We’ve got to try and play better and get results again in the next window, that’s the challenge.
On looking to Saudi Arabia and beyond
Every game is difficult, every game is important and Saudi Arabia will the same. It’s our home game. We want everyone to get behind us to create the type of atmosphere in Melbourne that will be special. I hope and pray that they can help us, support us, to help us get an important three points against Saudi, and then obviously we move onto the next match.
Next Match
Australia v Saudi Arabia
Thursday, 14 November 2024
Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne
Kick-off: 8pm AEDT
Tickets: Start from $20 Child, $25 Concession, $35 Adult, and $65 Family. Tickets from Ticketek.
Football Account Pre-Sale: 10.00am AEST on Thursday, 22 August 2024.
General Public On-Sale: 2.00pm AEST Monday, 26 August 2024.