Wanderers say Popovic not going anywhere

Western Sydney boss Paul Lederer has no concerns about the possibility of losing Tony Popovic to a big money offer from China.

Wanderers coach Tony Popovic. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Western Sydney chairman Paul Lederer has no concerns about the possibility of losing Tony Popovic to a lucrative offer from China, declaring “things are good” with the club’s first and only coach.

Lederer also refuses to “rule in or out” the possibility the club might make a play for a marquee or guest marquee player such as former Tottenham, Liverpool and Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane, who has been touted as a possible A-League recruit.

Keane and former Liverpool great Steven Gerrard have come on the radar after finishing stints with MLS club LA Galaxy. Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory have been linked with Keane and Gerrard, respectively.

But the odds of Gerrard coming to Australia are slim following reports in the UK media overnight that he had turned down a coaching opportunity with English club MK Dons and was looking to a bigger involvement with Liverpool.

Keane, on the other hand, could be a better chance, although he is reportedly attracting big interest from clubs in the Middle East, all of which are much wealthier than Brisbane or Western Sydney.

“We are constantly looking for players and marquees,” Lederer said without specifically mentioning either Keane or Gerrard. “It is an ongoing process, so we never rule anyone in or out.”

It was revealed last week that Popovic had been sounded out by several Chinese Super League clubs, notably the wealthy Shanghai Shenhua, which is believed to have tabled a $5 million after-tax offer.

In the five seasons the club has been in existence, the Wanderers boss has led them to a Premiers Plate but lost three grand finals. But it was his stunning achievement in guiding Western Sydney to the Asian Champions League title that put him under the notice of the Chinese.

Speaking for the first time about the offer, Lederer, who is also a part-owner of the club, told The Australian he had yet to speak to Popovic.

“Until I know the full facts then there is nothing to talk about,” he said. “He is our coach and that’s all there is to it.”

Popovic played a straight bat when asked about the offers.

“My immediate goal is to be here because I’m contracted here,” he said after last week’s game against Melbourne City.

“Long-term, medium-term, coaching is too unpredictable to look too far ahead in this industry but we all have goals and ambitions but mine is to be the best coach anywhere, in Australia, in the world. There is nothing wrong with that.

“Getting offers is part and parcel of players and coaches, and certainly not something that we released, it’s something that was released internationally, we can’t control that.

“I’m very happy where I am because I’m at a great club and I’m contracted at this football club, nothing changes.”

Meanwhile, Lederer admitted the club’s results could be better this season but he’s not panicking.

The Wanderers have won just one of their opening seven matches (four draws) and are already 12 points behind competition leaders and fierce rivals Sydney FC.

“You have to say it (the results) are pretty mixed ... you can’t hide there,” Lederer said. “We can do better but it is early days and there is still a long way to go this season. We have been slow starters before and we have usually bounced back as the season goes on.”

The Wanderers face a potentially season-defining game against Brisbane Roar at Spotless Stadium tomorrow night.