Popovic unfazed by Glory's A-League loss
Perth Glory coach Tony Popovic was anything but concerned after their loss to Melbourne Victory, given their lead at the top of the A-League and having played in front of a record home crowd.
Had Popovic felt his team was outplayed in the 2-0 defeat to the champions at HBF Park in front of 17,856 people it might have been a different story.
But Popovic couldn't fault much of Glory's showing as they took 19 shots but couldn't manage to get anything by impressive Victory goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas.
Glory remain in prime position to win the premiers' plate for the first time despite the loss, holding a six-point edge over Sydney FC with Victory a point further back.
In the next month they are away at Central Coast and Sydney and at home against Newcastle and Wellington, the Phoenix game wrapping up their regular season.
Popovic was happy with Glory's showing on Saturday night, despite the loss.
"We're in this position for a reason, because we've played very well throughout the whole season," he said.
"We still played well in this game and just didn't get the result," Popovic said.
"If we can keep that standard, we obviously have a good chance to keep getting results.
"I've always maintained that we'll finish at the end where we deserve to be and at the moment even with this result, we deserve to be on top."
Given it was just Perth's second loss of the season, Popovic's pleasure in his team's position is easy to understand with the supporters right behind them.
It's set the stage for big crowds for Glory's finals campaign with a potential hosting of a grand final at the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium.
"From the club perspective, there are people who have been here longer better equipped to answer like Jacob Burns and Tony Sage," Popovic said.
"I'm sure they were very proud.
"I haven't been here long and I was a proud man and a proud coach.
"To see that crowd and I know they go home disappointed with the result, but I'm sure they saw a team that they want to come and see again."
