The famed diligence of Tony Popovic is set to provide one last gift for Western Sydney Wanderers. The club is in no rush to appoint a permanent replacement for their departed coach, suggesting they could take several weeks before announcing Popovic's long-term successor due to the meticulous plans for the first team that remain. 

Before Popovic abruptly quit the club to join Turkish side Karabukspor on Sunday, he established a long-term plan for the senior squad's progression in the early stages of this A-League season. After announcing former assistant coach Hayden Foxe as the caretaker coach, Western Sydney Wanderers hierarchy were satisfied they can avoid massive disruption to their start of the season such is the detailed plan from Popovic and the ability of Foxe to execute that. 

"No there's no time limit. We're certainly going to take our time to make the right decision, but like I said, Hayden has confidence that we have confidence in him," Wanderers chief executive John Tsatsimas said. 

The appointment of Foxe as interim coach coincides with a mass exodus of senior coaches as goalkeeping coach Zeljko Kalac and assistant Andres Carrasco followed Popovic to Turkey. It means of the four senior coaching staff that lined up for the club's team photo on Saturday, only Foxe will be on the sidelines for their opening-round match at home to Perth Glory. 

Foxe headlines the club's coaching restructure which sees technical director Ian Crook become temporary assistant coach and Davide del Giovine promoted to goalkeeping coach. The coaches met with the players on Tuesday morning for the first time since Popovic's departure. Despite the upheaval on the eve of the new season, Foxe's message to the players during that meeting was one of focus and consistency. 

"We just carry on as usual with the job at hand and that's to take all three points against Perth Glory on the weekend," Foxe said. "Nothing changes. We've had 15 weeks of strenuous hard work, players have been waiting for these moments. A week out from the season, they're champing at the bit. OK it's a bit of a hiccup but the boys are really resilient."

Foxe will continue with the same tactics, session plans and likely personnel as Popovic had planned for the start of the season in hope of avoided further disruptions. 

"I've said nothing changes, mediocrity is not a standard this club accepts. The high expectations start with hard work and that starts when you come through the gates here at Blacktown," he said. 

Wanderers forward Mark Bridge was confident of Foxe restoring order but said the players must take responsibility for consolidating their strong morale. Bridge is one of the leaders of the group and said the players were remaining positive. 

"If Foxey is still there and he will be the caretaker, he's been with us the whole pre-season, he knows the boys and the players as a group and also individually so we're still fine," Bridge said. "I tell them what I told you; we worked hard in the pre-season, we have no injuries and we're confident."

While the players are still reeling from the shock of Popovic's departure, Sunday's opponents aren't exactly licking their lips at the prospect of a weakened Wanderers. Perth Glory striker Andy Keogh doesn't expect Western Sydney will be any less disciplined without their long-standing coach sitting on the bench. 

The Republic of Ireland international believes the timing won't disrupt the Wanderers' preparation, while the elevation of Foxe to the head coach's position ensures their game plan won't differ.

"I think they'll be the same. Had a month passed, it might be different with new ideas and new coaches but what Popovic drilled into them over the last few years will still be with them this weekend," he said. 

Keogh is cautious the departure of Popovic will serve as added motivation for a squad hungry to impress Foxe and whoever the long-term replacement is.  

"They've got a new manager to impress, they want to get into the team and it's a level playing field again," Keogh said.