\n<\/p>\n
The Socceroos reached the knockout stage of this year\u2019s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico before Egypt eliminated them on penalties in the Round of 32.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was my choice to go through to the Asian Cup. Although I was offered a four-year contract, I decided to go to the Asian Cup and I think that\u2019s something I feel good about,\u201d Popovic told reporters.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt gives Football Australia the opportunity, if they want, to make a different decision, and I\u2019m very comfortable with the decision that was made,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Popovic replaced Graham Arnold in late 2024 and guided Australia to qualification for the first 48-team World Cup.<\/p>\n
The 53-year-old former Socceroos defender said he still enjoys his role, particularly the opportunity to develop Australia\u2019s emerging young talent.<\/p>\n
Popovic Targets Asian Cup Success<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n Australia fielded the youngest squad at the World Cup, and Popovic expects plenty of young talent to feature at the Asian Cup, which will take place in Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5.<\/p>\n \u201cThere will probably be a lot of young players at the Asian Cup, and that will happen without losing the expectation that I believe we need to be demanding at the Asian Cup,\u201d Popovic said.<\/p>\n \u201cOnce you get there, you want to win it. I think that needs to happen for Australia.\u201d<\/p>\n Australia won its only Asian Cup title on home soil in 2015 and will face Tajikistan, Iraq and Singapore in Group D at next year\u2019s tournament.<\/p>\n \u201cI know the legacy that I will leave behind. And if someone else takes it forward, that\u2019s fine. If it\u2019s me, great, we agree to do this together,\u201d the experienced coach said.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n