Popovic proud of cup winners Victory

Melbourne Victory Head Coach, Tony Popovic said Saturday night was a special one for all involved at the club after his side were crowned FFA Cup Champions with a win over Central Coast Mariners.

Victory secured the FFA Cup for a second time and first since 2015 with a 2-1 win over Central Coast Mariners at AAMI Park on Saturday night.

A pair of stunning goals from Jason Davidson and Chris Ikonomidis sealed the win for Victory which secures them a place in the AFC Champions League play-off round.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Popovic said he proud of the efforts of his side in Saturday’s win.

“It hasn’t all fully sunk in yet, but it helps when you have this type of support and the crowd was just amazing and helped us tonight and I’m lucky to have a wonderful group of players who performed on the big stage tonight.

“I thought we played well, for a final we played well, controlled and dominated and we needed two special goals to win so it was befitting of a Final, two wonderful goals and some great performances so I’m delighted for everyone at the Club.”

“It’s a step forward, of course, and this Club was accustomed to winning trophies, challenging for honours constantly, regularly, expectations have always been high and we’ve brought that back now and today we had an opportunity to win something and we took that opportunity so I’m very happy for everyone, from the Chairman to the Board, everyone involved with the Club. It’s a special night and we’ll enjoy this victory tonight.”

Popovic wins the FFA Cup trophy for the first time in his coaching career, adding to two A-League Premierships and an AFC Champions League title.

“Personally, I think it’s a little bit different as a coach because you’re always thinking for the great people that you work with,” Popovic said.

“Just to see their smiles tonight and see the fans so happy after probably a tough couple of years for everyone and with COVID, seeing the players happy, seeing the people around the Club, seeing their families delighted.

“I think that’s what pleases me most as a coach, my wonderful staff as well, and what I want now is I want everyone to enjoy this, enjoy the taste of success and want some more.”

MATCH DETAILS
FFA Cup 2021 Final: Melbourne Victory v Central Coast Mariners
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Saturday, 5 February 2022
Attendance: 15,343

Melbourne Victory – 2 (Jason DAVIDSON 70’ Chris IKONOMIDIS 95’)
Central Coast Mariners – (Oliver BOZANIC 97’)