Melbourne Victory winger Daniel Arzani believes the public criticism he received from Socceroos head coach Tony Popovic earlier this year has helped transform his season.
At the start of the year Popovic was critical of his former Melbourne Victory pupil, believing his performances in training during the October international window weren’t up to scratch whilst away with the national team.
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Despite his criticisms the Socceroos boss handed the winger another chance to impress him with the national team, calling him up for the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Indonesia and China in March, and Arzani believes Popovic’s public feedback has helped him recapture his form.
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“It’s always nice going away with the national team. It’s such an honour. It’s a big confidence boost as well. And you also come back with a fresh mind you know. You come back with a new perspective on things and you’re keen to make an impact.
“Obviously I worked with the boss for a long time here as well, so he knows me pretty well,” said Arzani asked about Popovic’s quotes.
“I think he knew that at that moment, probably a little bit of a kick up the bum is what I needed.
“I think it was good intention, and for me, it helped me in the long run, to be honest.
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“I look at where I’m at now, mentally and physically, and I feel like I’m in a really good spot to really have a big impact for for the team going into the last few games, hopefully into the finals as well.”
Currently sat fifth on the ladder and three points inside the finals positions, Victory travel across the Tasman to take on Wellington Phoenix having most recently thumped Adelaide United 5-3, albeit they didn’t play last weekend due to the bye.
“I was actually thinking that after the game. It’s a little bit annoying having that bye with that kind of timing.
“But look, it is what it is. Everyone has a bye this season, I’m sure we can get firing again this week. It’s another big game against Wellington, and we kind of have to take three three points home this weekend.”
