Tony Popovic adds trio of former Socceroos to the national team’s coaching staff

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New Socceroos boss Tony Popovic has made sweeping changes to the national team’s coaching staff ahead of Australia’s upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against China and Japan.

Popovic, who last week was named as the successor to departed national coach Graham Arnold, has added three former Socceroos – Paul Okon, Hayden Foxe and Frank Juric – to his staff.

Okon and Foxe replace former assistant coaches Rene Meulensteen and Luke Wilkshire, while Juric is the Socceroos’ new goalkeeper coach, taking the spot previously occupied by John Crawley.

Michael Mantikos, who worked with Popovic at Melbourne Victory, has been appointed Australia’s team analyst, while Julie Meek will be the squad’s sports dietitian.

“I am excited to welcome these talented individuals to our team of coaching and support staff,” Popovic said.

“Each of them brings a wealth of experience and expertise that will be instrumental in our journey ahead.

“Together, we will work tirelessly to develop a dynamic and competitive Socceroos squad that embodies the spirit of Australian football.

“Our goal is to not only achieve success on the pitch but to also foster an environment where every player can thrive and reach their full potential.”

Okon is the highest profile of Popovic’s appointments.

Tony Popovic poses during a Football Australia announcement. Credit: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images for Football Austra

Capped 28 times for the Socceroos, Okon had a distinguished playing career that included stints in Italy with Lazio and Fiorentina and Vicenza, in England with Middlesbrough, Watford and Leeds, and in Belgium with Club Brugge and Oostende.

Okon is also a former Central Coast Mariners and Australian under-20 coach.

Foxe, who played in England for West Ham, Portsmouth and Leeds, was part of Popovic’s coaching staff at Western Sydney Wanderers and Perth Glory.

Juric played for German clubs Fortuna Dusseldorf, Bayer Leverkusen and Hannover 96 and has been previously been the goalkeeper coach at Adelaide United, Western United and Brisbane Roar.

The Socceroos squad for Thursday week’s clash against China in Adelaide and the October 15 battle with Japan in Saitama is set to be announced on Friday.

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