'It's the best time to take over': Tony Popovic outlines plan to lift Socceroos out of slump

Tony Popovic has officially won the race to take over as Socceroos coach, revealing it was "a dream come true" in his first press conference in the job.

Just days after Graham Arnold announced his departure from the role, Football Australia unveiled Popovic as his successor.

The 51-year-old has signed a deal that will see him remain at the helm of the team until the end of the 2026 World Cup.

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"It's a great honour to be sitting here. Coaching the Socceroos is a dream come true as a coach," Popovic said at his press conference on Monday.

"You never know if (a national team job) will pop up or if the timing is right, but I am extremely honoured and proud.

"This is undoubtedly a very proud moment for myself and my family. To be entrusted with guiding our national team is a privilege that I do not take lightly.

"Five years ago, I wasn't ready for this role. Three years ago, I wouldn't have looked at this role. I'm ready now... I'm excited for the challenge. I feel I'm ready for any challenge.

"I have great faith and confidence in our ability to grow as a team. I'm dreaming that it is possible to come first in our group and to make the World Cup.

"I believe we have the talent and determination to make our nation proud."

The former Western Sydney Wanderers, Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory boss has an incredible resume in clubland, but will now take his shot at success with the national team.

He suggested that fans could see changes made to the squad ahead of the Socceroos' clash with China in Adelaide next month, declaring his sole focus is lifting the national team out of the mire.

"This campaign hasn't started the best but I know there is enough time, enough games that we should really be aiming for that top spot to go through automatically," he said.

"It's the best time to take over. (Poor results) happen, that's football. Results can sometimes mask when something is good.

"There won't be change for changes sake, likewise with the players. If new players come in it will not just be to give someone an opportunity, we must honour the shirt. Anyone who deserves a chance will get one.

"I want to make sure that the players understand that no one is entitled to that shirt, regardless of talent or age. We need to be honoured to wear that shirt and be called up for the Socceroos."

Football Australia CEO James Johnson denied reports that Popovic had been contacted prior to Arnold's resignation.

"We are always keeping up to date with the market," he said.

"Our conversations with Tony happened early last week after our conversations with Graham. 

"We have moved swiftly to secure the best possible candidate for this crucial role.

"Our prompt action reflects our commitment to maintaining the momentum and success of the Socceroos program, especially as we are at the beginning of the critical Third Round of AFC Asian Qualifiers.

"We are confident that under his leadership, the team will continue to excel on the international stage."

Popovic took the Western Sydney Wanderers to the Asian Champions League title in 2014 and has more than a decade of experience as a head coach.

He finished his tenure at the Victory at the end of last season, before missing out on a job with Croatian giants Hajduk Split.

Despite relocating with his family to Europe, Popovic was seen as an immediate front-runner to replace Arnold.

Popovic beat out the likes of Nick Montgomery, who is now an assistant to Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham, as well as Peter Cklamovski and John Aloisi for the role.

With 58 caps for the Socceroos as a player, Popovic will also bring a wealth of experience as a player at the highest level.

Australia will feature in further World Cup qualifiers next month.