Another day in the cutthroat world of football, another coach let go.
On Tuesday, Xanthi FC released a statement on their website announcing that they will no longer be moving forward with coach Tony Popovic effective immediately.
Club president Bill Papas, whose goal it was to bring Australian talent into the European sphere, thanked Popovic for his tenure.
“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,” he said in the statement.
READ MORE: Tony Popovic leaves A-League club Perth Glory to coach newly acquired Xanthi FC in Greece
The 47-year-old left Perth Glory for Greece in September 2020 right after leading the team to an A-League premiership to try his hand at European football.
He was later joined by goal-keeping coach Zeljko Kalac who was also let go by the team in early February.
Australian football players also made the move to help boost the team, including former Socceroos Josh Brillante and Matthew Jurman, Wellington Phoenix star player Callan Elliot, ex-Adelaide United goalkeeper Paul Izzo and Popovic’s sons Kristian and Gabriel.
Unfortunately, Popovic will not be able to test the full potential of the team and attempt to bring them back into the first division despite directing Xanthi to a third win out of the past four games over the weekend, when the team beat OF Ierapetra 2-1.
Fans in Australia hoping to watch their next match against Panachaiki can tune in on Sunday 28 February at 11:45 AEDT.
