Aiming high after Lowe, new Perth coach Popovic looks to a new era of Glory
Related Story: Lowe axed as Glory coach after missing out on A-League finals
The signing of Tony Popovic is a statement of intent Perth Glory is no longer willing to tolerate mediocrity.
Results under Kenny Lowe weren't bad, but the club fell short of finals last season and it cost Lowe his position as coach after four years in charge.
He fell short of leading the club to its first piece of A-League silverware.
The appointment of Popovic is the start of a new era.
Popovic, a decorated former Socceroos defender, has proven his coaching credentials having led Western Sydney Wanderers to three A-League grand finals and guided them to become the first Australian club to win the Asian Champions League in 2013-14.
A stint in Turkey's top division coaching Karabukspor didn't work out and now he signed a three-year deal with Perth Glory.
"I have accepted this job knowing the landscape, knowing where the club has been and knowing we want to take the club," Popovic told the ABC.
"There is a short-, medium- and long-term goal and each week, each month and each season we will grow this football club.
"The potential that is here is quite evident to everyone.
"The fans are passionate. I have witnessed that and experienced that myself being on the opposing bench."
Club is aiming high after Lowe
Some players had become frustrated with aspects of the culture within the Glory.
Kenny Lowe was a good man manager, but fell short when it came to demanding excellence and the highest standards from his players.
Popovic is astute tactically and wants his players to reach their potential on and off the pitch.
He is a clear thinker and communicator who is demanding and will not compromise when it comes to professionalism. Players know exactly where they stand with him, and if they don't meet the standard set they won't be in the first team.
"We want to try and take the club to another level, try and get that consistency where the club is making their members and their fans proud on a regular basis, where they are challenging for honours," Popovic said.
"At the moment we know what we want to achieve and that is the easy part.
"Now the hard work begins."
Lowe will still be around the club in a role with the youth academy. It is a unique situation where a long-serving coach will still be employed when the new one comes in.
"It won't be an issue for me whatsoever," Popovic said.
"I haven't had a chance to speak with him or see him yet. I am sure we will catch up. From my point of view there will be no issue."
Popovic's first game in charge of Perth will be the friendly against Chelsea at Perth Stadium in July.
"It is a nice way to start this new journey, this new project that we are trying to build here," he said.
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