Tony Popovic has got his first game out of the way as Perth Glory coach and says he’s ‘happy enough’ with their 3-0 win over WA NPL side Perth SC at Dorrien Gardens on Wednesday night.
First-half goals from Jacob Italiano and Andy Keogh had Glory in control before Callum Timmins rounded off the scoring late on with a long-range effort.
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Taking charge of the side for the first time in their opening hitout of the pre-season, Popovic made 11 changes at the break and handed debuts to new arrivals Tando Velaphi, Ivan Franjic, Brendon Santalab and Fabio Ferreira.
“It was a good first hit-out for the players,” the Glory boss said.
“There’s been a lot of change and the players have been working hard for three-and-a-half weeks, so it was nice to get a game and implement the new system.
“We still have lots of work to do, but it was a solid hit-out and I’m happy enough.
“There were a few things we saw from the players that we’ve been working on which is the most important thing.
“Those actions I’m sure will be repeated a lot more once they get fitter and stronger.”
The key for Popovic was seeing all his players come through the match without injury and he confirmed that was the case, despite replacing substitute Santalab just 20 minutes after he came on at half-time.
“Brendon is fine. The other players have been going for three-and-a-half weeks and he’s only in his second week, so he’s not really ready for 45 minutes yet,” Popovic confirmed.
“That’s why we gave him just 20-odd minutes.”
Glory continue their pre-season campaign next Wednesday with a clash against another Perth side – and fellow FFA Cup representative – Gwelup Croatia.
ANALYSIS: Your club’s first five fixtures
Click here to see the full 2018/19 Draw
It’s all building towards Popovic’s first competitive match for the club, the FFA Cup Round of 32 clash against Melbourne Victory on Tuesday, August 7.
“It’s still very early days. The goal is that we’re ready for Round One in October and along the way we’ll just keep working and improving,” Popovic said.
“I’ve been very pleased with the application of the players so far.”
