Tony Popovic sacked by Xanthi FC

·

Tony Popovic’s time with Greek Super League 2 club Xanthi FC is already over, with the two parting ways just nine games into the season.

In a statement posted on Xanthi’s website in the early hours of Tuesday morning, the club confirmed it had ended its cooperation with the 47-year-old coach with immediate effect.

Demonstrating the utter ruthlessness of European football, the decision comes despite Popovic guiding the Akrítes to a 2-1 win over OF Ierapetra – a third win in the past four games – on the weekend. They are due to play Panachaiki next Sunday.

Xanthi currently sit fifth on the table of Greece’s second tier but are just four points behind league leaders Ergotelis and have a game in hand over the second, third and fourth-placed teams.

Reports from Greek football observers, however, had suggested discontent was emerging with Xanthi’s style of play before the ousting.

Sunday’s win over bottom-of-the-table lerapetra was the first occasion the side had scored more than two goals in a game.

Popovic had departed Perth Glory for the Xanthi position at the conclusion of their 2019-20 A-League campaign, having won an A-League premiership and secured back-to-back finals campaigns in West Australia.

The Greek club was taken over last year by Sydney Olympic President Bill Papas, who spoke of a desire to turn the club into an outpost for Australian exports seeking a doorway into the crucible that is European football.

The Akrítes were relegated from the Greek Super League last season due to points deductions over irregularities surrounding the previous ownership.

Once there, Popovic was joined on staff by long-time collaborator Zeljko Kalac – who himself left Xanthi three weeks ago – and former Western Sydney Wanderers mentor guru Arthur Diles – whose status is unclear after the announcement of Popovic’s exit.

Former Socceroos Josh Brillante and Matthew Jurman, ex-Adelaide United goalkeeper Paul Izzo, Wellington Phoenix utility Callan Elliot and Popovic’s sons Kristian and Gabriel also signed for Xanthi following the former Western Sydney Wanderers and Glory coach’s arrival.

Popovic’s charge leading this Aussie contingent, however, has now ended.

“I want to thank Tony for the excellent work he has offered to the team since September 2020 when he took office,” Papas said in a statement – which has been translated from Greek to English.

“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.”

Source: SBS World Game.

greek film festival 2025

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Step into the world of mental health with Georgia Cassimatis’ latest book

Greek Australian author and journalist, Georgia Cassimatis, has released a book all about exploring the world of mental health.

GOCNSW Welfare Service to put a spotlight on cyber security awareness

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW’s (GOCNSW) Welfare Service has organised three Cyber Security Awareness education and training workshops.

Marriage of a Greek woman abroad: What to watch out for

It is during this registration process that numerous problems arise, which are not dealt with immediately but later on.

Athena Competition Greek winners show olive oil diversity

By Lisa Radinovsky from Greek Liquid Gold. At the 10th anniversary edition of the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition in Chania, Crete, Greece in May, 175 Greek olive oils...

Greece’s island communities face population crisis

The demographic decline in Greece is hitting its islands hard, with Lemnos and Agios Efstratios showing alarming signs of aging populations.

You May Also Like

Greece’s first medicinal cannabis production plant opens in Corinth

Greece opened its first-ever pharmaceutical cannabis production plant in the Greek town of Examilia in Corinth on January 26 this year.

Effy Alexakis’ photo exhibition on Greek Australians to be displayed in Athens

A photo exhibition by Greek Australian photographer, Effy Alexakis, will be on proud display from October 22 at ‘shedia home’ in Athens.

Constantine Passaris becomes first Greek Canadian appointed to the Order of New Brunswick

Greek Canadian, Constantine Passaris, has received the highest civilian honour from the Government of New Brunswick, Canada.