Socceroos are ready to take a new path under Popovic

“Everyone just has to see it as a new start and a new perspective to really establish their authority on the team under a new coach. They will be new opportunities for players… you really have to try to refocus and reevaluate the individual effort you are putting in and make sure you are at the right level. We know that the performances in the two games were not good enough. With new coaches coming in, this is a great opportunity to really refocus and analyze. As individuals, as players: are we achieving the goals we need to achieve?

“I did that, and I’m sure all the other guys did too. We also talked about it as a play group. We know we have to do better from the last two camps.”

Arnold was heavily criticized for his tactics, particularly Australia’s lack of ingenuity in the final third when taking on teams who sit back and defend – a situation they could find themselves in again on Thursday evening, although Goodwin suspects China will be on the bottom place will. must come forward and attack to have any hope of keeping their own World Cup dream alive.

In any case, the timing leaves little chance for Popovic and his coaching staff – assistants Paul Okon, Hayden Foxe and Frank Juric, all of whom, like their boss, are ex-Socceroos – to make radical changes to the way on which they play, especially since most European players don’t arrive until Tuesday or even Wednesday.

The widespread hope is that a change of tune, at least in the short term, will be enough to get their qualifying campaign back on track – even if, as Goodwin said, the experience is ‘nerve-wracking’ for players suddenly unsure of their qualification. where they sit in the eyes of the new coach.

“I’m sure he has the plan and everything set in stone,” Goodwin said.

“As players it’s about just getting in there, learning as quickly as possible and trying to implement that. We have a very good squad… and very motivated players to make up for what happened in the last two games, and I think you will see a very different mentality in these two games.

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“Nobody can doubt the mentality of the team, the work ethic of the group and most of all the pride in coming in and representing your national team, especially because of Arnie’s tenure. The last camp was obviously very disappointing and not the performance we expected from us as a playing group, so we know we have to change those things.”

Popovic didn’t have to wait long to experience the kind of tensions inherent in international management. He was forced to make two changes to his squad this weekend, calling up Macarthur FC recruit Luke Brattan and Nashville SC’s Patrick Yazbek after Ipswich Town’s Massimo Luongo and Ipswich Town’s Connor Metcalfe were ruled out through injury.

Three points against China, and perhaps a point clear of Group C leaders Japan next Tuesday evening, would be the ideal start to his tenure.

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