How Poppa made Fornaroli love football again

Bruno Fornaroli admits he fell out of love with football during his turbulent time at Melbourne City, but his passion has been reignited under Perth Glory coach Tony Popovic.

Bruno Fornaroli

Source: Getty Images

One of the A-League’s top strikers, Fornaroli was frozen out at City last season by coach Warren Joyce. The Uruguayan played just four games during the 2018-2019 campaign before eventually joining Perth last year.

The 32-year-old is now thriving at HBF Park and has bagged eight goals in 14 appearances this season, with the Glory undefeated in their past seven matches.

Fornaroli, who admitted it took time to adapt to his new club, puts his return to form down to the influence of the Socceroo great.

“I’m surprised by the way they work here,” he told The World Game.

“I know before I come I spoke with Poppa, I started to speak with him generally and I know his ideas. But really when I came and I started to work with him – it changed everything.

“I started to feel fitter than I ever have before. He put me in the best condition to play and he trusted me, him and all the staff, also Tony Pignata.

“Man, I’m so happy. The first couple of games I wasn’t feeling my best football. But after I played a couple of games Poppa said to me don’t worry, it’s coming.

“You will be better and better after games, I started to feel this after four or five games. New players, new club, new system, so you need time to adapt.

“Now, look, I feel great, I feel strong and now again I’m enjoying my football. That’s important, that’s the first thing.

“I start to enjoy the football and then I know good things are coming.”

The Glory drew 0-0 with Fornaroli’s former club City 0-0 on Saturday at AAMI Park. Before that, Popovic’s men had gone on a six-game winning streak that include big wins over Adelaide United, Central Coast Mariners and the Newcastle Jets.

Perth are now third on the A-League leader, just two points below City.

Fornaroli, nicknamed ‘El Tuna, believes Popovic’s attention to detail and his man-management is second to none.

“When I spoke to Poppa in January he said if you come here you will enjoy your football again, I know you, I know what you need,” the forward said.

“Poppa’s found a way to bring me along again and I know I enjoy football, enjoy playing, there’s good players around and a good system, good ideas.

“You only want to play in front, you only want to win and this is a good mentality and the mentality that I want.

“It’s the mentality I want to fight for and for this club, and of course for the people that trust me after my last time at Melbourne City.

“Poppa’s an unbelievable coach. He’s smart and he knows every detail and that the details make the difference.

“He promised to be that if I came here and I would enjoy training game – and this is what player’s need. It’s a long season, a long pre-season and if you don’t enjoy it then you don’t really play well.

“Tony has all the details every day, for every game. He prepares very well for every game and we know that. We are very confident with him and with our players.”


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3 min read
Published 28 January 2020 10:55am
By John Davidson

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