Popovic was disappointed after some of the club’s younger players lost their standards during the COVID-19 break.
D’Agostino was the only player Popovic called, and it seems that star Olyroo still has something to do to regain his coach’s trust.
“I think it was a good lesson for some of our younger players,” said Popovic.
“Some of the young talents have to learn to be better professionals.
“We talk a lot about Nick D’Agostino. But he needs to know if he wants to be the best, he has to present himself as the best, and he hasn’t done it yet.
“So this is a player who will have a hard time playing.
“I don’t care what code it is. You can only do your best if you present yourself properly. Talent alone is not enough, and some of these boys have been taught a hard lesson.”
D’Agostino had a breakout season before the league closed, scoring three goals in seven games.
His lack of discipline during the break comes at a bad time for Glory, who will do without the skipper Diego Castro, Gregory Wuthrich (returned home) and Chris Ikonomidis (knee) for the rest of the season.
Castro’s decision not to support his teammates in their NSW hub due to coronavirus fears left Glory without their most talented and creative player.
The 38-year-old Spaniard is under contract for the next season, but Popovic was unable to guarantee that both parties would fulfill the deal.
Popovic is confident that his team can overcome Castro’s loss to advance the season’s title win.
“We have some young players who get a chance,” said Popovic before Saturday’s clash with Central Coast.
“They don’t have the experience Diego has, but they have the energy and excitement.
“We don’t think about how we can find a player in our squad who does what Diego does.
“We want to show the strengths of all players and our style of play will suit the players we have and I’m sure it will still be exciting to see them.”
