Former Wanderers and Glory coach Tony Popovic sacked by Greek club Xanthi

Ex-Wanderers and Glory coach Tony Popovic has already been shown the door by Greek club Xanthi.

Tony Popovic has been sacked by Greek club Xanthi. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Former Perth Glory and Western Sydney Wanderers coach Tony Popovic has been sacked by Greek second division club just nine matches into his tenure.

Despite Xanthi’s 2-1 weekend win over cellar dwellers OF Ierapetra, which left them in fifth spot on the ladder, Popovic was given his marching orders.

Xanthi owner, Greek-Australian businessman Bill Papas, said: “I want to thank Tony for the excellent work he has offered to the team since September 2020 when he took office.

“With great sadness and respect for Tony, we announce the end of our partnership.

“I wish Tony and his family all the best for the future.”

Just like a player where club choices are key, so it is with coaches. Tony Popovic is a highly talented coach in a hurry to prove that talent outside of Oz. He needs to temper that ambition however with judgement and patience and not repeat his mistakes in Turkey and Greece.

— Remo Nogarotto (@RNogarotto) February 22, 2021

Popovic’s axing comes three weeks after the club’s goalkeeper coach, former Socceroos gloveman Zeljko Kalac, parted ways with Xanthi.

Xanthi’s squad includes Popovic’s sons Kristian and Gabriel, former Sydney FC and Melbourne City midfielder Josh Brillante, ex-Adelaide United goalkeeper Paul Izzo, former Western Sydney defender Matt Jurman and New Zealand under 20 international Callan Elliot.

It’s the second time Popovic has been sacked by a European club after being shown the door by Turkish outfit Karabükspor in 2017 after just nine games at the helm.

Popovic’s latest sacking comes less than three months after another Australian coach, Kevin Muscat, was axed by Belgian club Sint-Truiden after only 14 games in charge.