'Found that funny': Popovic amused by US trash talk

Former US players have tried to ignite a war of words with the Socceroos, but Tony Popovic is leaving his team to respond on the pitch, not via a podcast microphone.

A number of dismissive barbs have been fired by ex-US players and pundits about the strength of the Socceroos, who have been labelled as an “average”, “not great team” that will be a “lay-up” for America in their FIFA World Cup campaign.

Popovic was clear when the group draws were first finalised that he was “satisfied” with Australia’s fixture, but his calm nature was flamed by Landon Donovan.

“I watched the Aussie coach’s interview after the draw, and it was really interesting,” Donovan, who has 157 caps for the US, said on Fox Sports in December.

“He just had this smugness about him, and I’m like, ‘All right, I can’t wait. I wish I was on the field - like, I want to play these guys’.”

Donovan did later admit in that interview that Australia will be “hard to play against” but the men in green and gold are a “team I think (the US) should beat”.

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He then declared Australia would finish at the bottom of Group D.

“Thanks for coming, Aussies and your smug coach. You can get back on the QANTAS airplane and head back home, pal.”

Popovic has found it “enjoyable” to hear former US players underestimate his team, revealing to the Sydney Morning Herald he had seen all the commentary.

But as that June 20 (AEST) clash nears closer, Popovic has no interest in changing his processes and succumbing to the pressure of those American pundits.

“I just found that funny. It was amusing for me,” Popovic told the SMH when asked about Donovan and co’s comments.

“They’re not shy to speak their mind, the Americans, regardless of what it is, whether it’s sport, life ... they are very patriotic of their country.

“We’ve always had a good rivalry against the Americans, and they’re not shy to shoot their mouths off and say what they think. We’ve got a chance to shoot our mouths off as well, but do it on the field.

“I anticipate that our talking will be loud and clear on the pitch.”

One of the recommendations that was offered to Popovic by former US international Alexi Lalas was to print out all the dismissive comments about his team and use it as wallpaper for the Australian dressing room.

“They’re going to need all the help they can get,” Lalas said.

But Popovic does not feel that will be necessary.

“I’d hate to think that this group needs their coach to single out things that are being said about them,” he continued.

“We already know that we’re not expected to go through and that we’re expected to be the weakest nation in the group. We don’t need extra motivation for that.

“We are still trying to punch above our weight ... We played Mexico [a 1-0 loss in a friendly], who, as you heard after the game, their aspiration is to win the World Cup.

“We compete against them and dominate the second half and have two great chances. It’s not progress on the score line, but it’s progress for me that the players are so disappointed after the game … against a nation that is fighting to try and win the World Cup. That, for me, is a positive sign.”

While Popovic does not feel the need to inform his players of what is being said about them, former Socceroo Mile Sterjovski believes the squad will only benefit from inheriting an underdog title thanks to the US.

“I think from what they’ve already said in earlier reports, I think that’s going to work to our benefit,” Sterjovski told The Failed Footballer podcast.

“I think we like being the underdog. I saw the US said, they’re going to beat us easily, but I think it’ll work to our advantage. It’ll help motivate the team.

“With Popovic in charge, we’re definitely harder to beat. The way we’re set up is hard, and we need to rely on the youth to bring us that energy going forward.”

The Socceroos’ first opponent at the World Cup will be Turkey on Sunday, June 14.