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Hand-picked by Popovic to fly the Antipodean flag at the club owned by Sydney-based tycoon Bill Papas, the long-term prospects of former A-League stars Josh Brillante, Paul Izzo, Matt Jurman and Callan Elliott suddenly appear less clear.
Particularly at risk, in the light of their father’s dismissal after just nine games, are the contracts of sons Kristian and Gabriel, whom he brought with him from Perth Glory back in October.
Not to mention 12 other arrivals from across Europe in a truly multi-national squad.
Xanthi’s imports were “shocked” yesterday when told of Popovic’s sacking, with one of his Greek assistants to take charge for the weekend visit to Panachaiki.
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In a statement posted on Xanthi s website in the early hours of Tuesday morning, the club confirmed it had ended its cooperation with the 47-year-old coach with immediate effect.
Demonstrating the utter ruthlessness of European football, the decision comes despite Popovic guiding the Akrítes to a 2-1 win over OF Ierapetra - a third win in the past four games - on the weekend. They are due to play Panachaiki next Sunday.
Xanthi currently sit fifth on the table of Greece s second tier but are just four points behind league leaders Ergotelis and have a game in hand over the second, third and fourth-placed teams.
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If the Akrites (Frontiersmen) are successful it will be in no small part due to a nine-strong ensemble of Australian pioneers.
Make that ten if you count - and you surely must - Sydney-based owner Bill Papas, a football-crazy entrepreneur who aims to mould the club into a permanent pipeline for Australian talent.
Foremost among coach Tony Popovic’s cast is Socceroos defender Matthew Jurman, the 31-year-old stopper whose maiden foray into the bear-pit of European club football will be deemed more miss than hit if Xanthi doesn’t dominate Super League 2.
Relegated from the top division after points were stripped as a consequence of ownership irregularities, a multi-cultural collective of players are working to right perceived wrongs with performances on the field.