Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic says the club have taken another big step forward after winning the FFA Cup final against Central Coast Mariners on Saturday.
Victory are priced at 11/4 to win the 2021/22 A-League grand final and that will now be the next goal after lifting the FFA Cup at AAMI Park.
Popovic impact
Popovic only took charge in the off-season but is already working his magic. Victory finished bottom of the A-League ladder last season but are now very much on the up thanks to their new coach.
Jason Davidson and Chris Ikonomidis got the goals in a 2-1 win over the Mariners and Popovic says he is delighted to add more silverware to the Victory trophy cabinet.
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"It's a step forward, of course. This club was accustomed to winning trophies, challenging for honours constantly, regularly," Popovic told reporters after the game.
"Expectations have always been high and we've brought that back now. Today we had an opportunity to win something and we took that opportunity."
Asian Champions League
The win also means Victory qualify for the Asian Champions League play-off where they will take on Andres Iniesta's Vissel Kobe but Popovic says they should hold no fear.
"First and foremost, the trophy is key for the club. We now get the added bonus for the first time to have a play-off spot in Asia," Popovic added. "Vissel Kobe is a wonderful club that will be a wonderful challenge. Why not?
"We can go wherever we have to play and have the confidence and belief we can get through."
