Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic had an awkward encounter with a journalist who asked him about former Socceroos prodigy Daniel Arzani following their 0-0 derby draw against Melbourne City.
With Bruno Fornaroli (hand) sitting in the stands, Victory shot 17 (six on goal) to City’s six (three) at AAMI Park.
Popovic didn’t seem too happy when asked if his team was unlucky not to win on Saturday night.
“I think if you watch the game, you wouldn’t ask me that, if we were the unlucky team,” he said.
‘Sometimes you play a game and it’s balanced. I thought the last derby was even. I thought we were very good today.”
Coach Popovic did not seem too impressed with Arzani’s performance
However, Popovic was infuriated by a journalist’s suggestion that winger Arzani had produced an “exceptional first half” before being substituted.
‘Excellent first half?’ -Popovic asked the journalist.
The journalist explained that it seemed that Arzani was creating opportunities on the field.
“That’s good,” Popovic said. ‘That’s your opinion.
“I would have mentioned many other players besides Daniel Arzani in that performance.
“A lot of players.”
The journalist tried to explain his position further, but Popovic continued.
“If you watch the football game, you would have mentioned Ryan Teague, you would have mentioned Fabian Monge, you would have mentioned Roderick Miranda, Damien de Silva, Jason Geria.
Popovic said he would have mentioned many other players before Arzani
Popovic said Victory players Ryan Teague, Fabian Monge and Roderick Miranda would have been mentioned in front of the former Socceroo
‘The list can go on.’
Arzani was selected for the 2018 World Cup as a teenager, but a knee injury months later began a run of struggles with form and injuries that hampered his big moment.
After another injury ruined his return A-League campaign with Macarthur last season, Arzani signed for Melbourne Victory.