Tony Popovic turns down Guangzhou Evergrande, insists he's happy in Sydney
Coach Tony Popovic has turned down a role at Guangzhou
Wanderers boss Tony Popovic masterminded his side’s remarkable Asian Champions League victory on last season.
Following Western Sydney’s defeat of Guangzhou Evergrande to reach the ACL semi-finals the year before, The Daily Telegraph has learned that Popovic was approached by a trusted intermediary late last week about joining the Chinese super league champions.
It’s understood that though Popovic was flattered by the approach, he responded that as a contracted coach, any approach had to be made to Western Sydney first.
Sources in China say that in a subsequent conversation, it was made clear that Popovic’s commitment to taking the Evergrande role was essential before any formal approach was made to Western Sydney.
Following Western Sydney’s defeat of Guangzhou Evergrande to reach the ACL semi-finals the year before, The Daily Telegraph has learned that Popovic was approached by a trusted intermediary late last week about joining the Chinese super league champions.
It’s understood that though Popovic was flattered by the approach, he responded that as a contracted coach, any approach had to be made to Western Sydney first.
Sources in China say that in a subsequent conversation, it was made clear that Popovic’s commitment to taking the Evergrande role was essential before any formal approach was made to Western Sydney.
The former Socceroo is believed to have mapped an ideal career path as a coach that would take in a spell in Asia before moving to Europe.
Late last year he was approached by English side Norwich to succeed Chris Hughton as well as Korean side Ulsan Hyundai, but similarly knocked back both approaches.
Since Western Sydney changed ownership he is said to have forged a strong relationship with new chairman Paul Lederer, and that seems to be one of the major reasons Tony has decided to stay in Western Sydney
Late last year he was approached by English side Norwich to succeed Chris Hughton as well as Korean side Ulsan Hyundai, but similarly knocked back both approaches.
Since Western Sydney changed ownership he is said to have forged a strong relationship with new chairman Paul Lederer, and that seems to be one of the major reasons Tony has decided to stay in Western Sydney
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