After not playing in 18 months, the Socceroos will reunite in Kuwait next month for four World Cup qualifiers with an extended squad set to give a few new players a chance to impress
CT Teen Devotes Hours to Helping Others Book Vaccine Appointments – NBC Connecticut nbcconnecticut.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from nbcconnecticut.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Share on Twitter
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.
Share on Twitter
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.