Socceroos coach Tony Popovic says he dropped Nestory Irankunda for two coming World Cup qualifiers in order for him to settle into new surroundings in Germany, saying that although he hadn’t spoken to the 18-year-old personally, the young forward has the support he needs.
Popovic has made several surprise selections among the 26-player squad, including calling up two uncapped A-League Men players and Max Balard, the defensive midfielder who has started well in his first season at NAC Breda in Holland.
The matches against Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are crucial for the Socceroos’ World Cup prospects. The three teams are locked on the same number of points behind Japan in a group in which only two sides automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Popovic said Irankunda’s omission wasn’t about his performance in his previous appearances, and it was instead to allow him to settle in Germany.
“We know he’s a young man with a lot of potential who finds himself at one of the biggest clubs in the world,” Popovic said. “We just feel it’s an opportunity for him to settle in at Bayern, get the development that he needs there and the growth and just settle into a new culture, new country, new language.
“Hopefully this will help him grow and settle, and we still hope that we really see his potential moving forward from him in the national team in years to come.”
The new coach said Irankunda’s development was largely the responsibility of his club, not the Socceroos set-up, but Popovic said he was sure he had enough support.
“We see him for three or four days in camp, the foundation of development will come from his club. We’re here to support in any way we can, whether that’s on the field or off the field.
“I’m sure he has a lot of support with his family, we as a organisation have [continued] and will continue to support him.”
Popovic confirmed he had not spoken to Irankunda personally.
“I don’t have to elaborate exactly on how I deal with players and speak to them, but their wellbeing is looked after, they’re very well supported, and they know clearly where they stand, I think that sums it up quite clearly for you,” he said.
Sign up to Football Daily
Kick off your evenings with the Guardian’s take on the world of football
after newsletter promotion
The squad includes 32-year-old Sydney FC midfielder Anthony Caceres, and his 20-year-old teammate Hayden Mathews, as well as Balard, 23. None have played for the Socceroos before.
“Regardless of age, they all have an opportunity to impress a new coaching staff,” Popovic said.
“[Caceres] is there because he deserves an opportunity to come in, for us to see him, observe him, and once you’re in camp, you’re a chance to play.”
The squad doesn’t include Alex Robertson, the UK-born midfielder playing at Cardiff who has not yet committed to representing Australia.
“That sits in his hands now, so if he wants to play for Socceroos, he needs to make himself available,” Popovic said.
