Tony Popovic rues lack of game time for Benfica signing: not a regular | OneFootball

Tony Popovic publicly discussed Alessandro Circati's move from Parma to Benfica during the transfer window. The Australia manager downplayed the fact that the 22-year-old defender is not yet an undisputed starter for the Eagles.

"We judge the move immediately because he’s not playing regularly, but it’s a fantastic step. It’s a step under pressure, and the lad has broad shoulders. So he will embrace the challenge," said the coach, who has Croatian roots - Ivanovic’s country - at a press conference.

The Socceroos boss stressed that establishing yourself at a major European club takes time and requires daily improvement in training. "We shouldn’t expect our players to go to bigger clubs and immediately take someone’s place. They have to earn it and be better", he explained.

Although he wants more minutes for Circati, Tony Popovic highlighted the player’s competitive leap in European football. "Of course I’d love Ale (Circati) to play every minute of every game, but this is part of this stage of his career", said the national team coach.

The head coach ended his remarks by expressing complete confidence in Benfica’s new signing succeeding in the long term. "He went to a big club and has the expectation of competing in the Europa League. That’s what we want and need", he concluded.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.