A-League: Glory return to training without Popovic
Linked with a move to Greece, Perth coach Tony Popovic missed the Glory’s return to training.
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Coach Tony Popovic was a notable absentee as Perth Glory returned to training on Monday to prepare for their AFC Champions League campaign.
Self-isolating in their own homes since returning to Perth last week following their A-League finals exit, Glory squad members were given permission to train together by the West Australian government.
Assistant coach Hayden Foxe was in charge of the light session, with Popovic having remained in Sydney after the Glory’s season ended with a 2-0 semi-final loss to Sydney FC last Wednesday night.
Popovic has been linked with a move to Greece to take charge of Xanthi FC.
The Glory were set to resume their 2020 Champions League in October, but it’s understood the competition won’t return until November.
https://twitter.com/PerthGloryFC/status/1300301861623267328
Perth confirmed the departures of attacker Joel Chianese and fullback Ivan Franjic, and also announced that defender Dino Djulbic, midfielder Vince Lia and goalkeeper Tando Velaphi were leaving the club.
“The club would like to sincerely thank each of the players for their service and wish them all the very best in the next chapter of their football careers,” Glory CEO Tony Pignata said.
Chianese is joining Indian Super League club Hyderabad, while former Socceroo Franjic is reportedly heading to A-League newcomers Macarthur FC.
Meanwhile, Western United also announced the departures of fringe quartet Valentino Yuel, Thierry Iradukunda, Oskar Dillon and Patrick Antelmi.
United’s general manager of football Ante Kovacevic said: “I’d like to thank all four players for their effort and contribution to our inaugural season. Yuel, Iradukunda, Dillon and Antelmi will forever be names written in the history books of Western United.”
Wooden spooners Central Coast Mariners also officially cut ties five players –
Macarthur signing Tommy Oar, New Zealand international Michael McGlinchey, Brazilian striker Jair, Serbian midfielder Milan Duric and Jacob Melling.
Originally published as A-League: Glory return to training without Popovic