Citizens coach Muhsin Ertugral impressed by players’ performance as he looks to make it two consecutively when they host Pirates
06 January 2025 - 20:41
by Neville Khoza
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Cape Town City coach Muhsin Ertugral said that the squad needed confidence and to work as a collective to change things around.
Ertugral began his tenure as the Citizens coach with a 1-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs in the Premier Soccer League match at Cape Town Stadium on Sunday after taking over from Eric Tinkler in December.
Darwin Gonzalez scored the only goal in the first half to hand City the three points, and Ertugral was satisfied with what he saw from his players.
“You can change a lot in three days, the collectiveness, the belief in themselves that it worked in the training session very well and they loved it,” Ertugral told the media.
“So, that interchange was good. That freedom in certain aspects has to be there. This team was always in the top five, so I had a bit of motivation and self-belief which I knew we needed to work on.
“We also need to work more on entries. The playing pattern was not important.”
Ertugral will be looking to make it two consecutive wins when they host Orlando Pirates at Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday at 7.30pm.
The 65-year-old said it was easy for him because he has been at the club for a while, serving as a technical director.
“It was not long for us to work [issues out]. I know the team well since I have been back in SA in October and I was always connected to John Comitis and we were talking about the team and my future,” he said.
“He always invited me to their games and knew where the problems were. With Chiefs, I always have interest and I have been watching them closely. They are a good team and there is quality.
“We worked collectively in the last three days when we lost the important ball. The most important thing is how we can counter because we know Chiefs are a team that has a deficit when you have a quick transition.
“We had six or seven entries into the last third and the team was disciplined; I’m surprised how quickly we get this collective when we lose the ball and I’m happy for the players.”
Fixtures
Wednesday: CPT City vs Pirates, Cape Town (7.30pm); Chiefs vs Stellenbosch, FNB (7.30pm); AmaZulu vs Sekhukhune, King Zwelithini (7.30pm).
Saturday: Magesi vs AmaZulu, Old Peter Mokaba (3.30pm); Gallants vs CPT City, Dr Molemela (3.30pm); Chippa vs Royal, Nelson Mandela Bay, (5.45pm).
Sunday: Chiefs vs Arrows, Moses Mabhida (3.30pm); SuperSport vs Sekhukhune (5.45pm).
Cape Town City head coach Muhsin Ertugral in Cape Town, January 5 2025. Picture: SHAUN ROY/GALLO IMAGES
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Ertugral reveals secret behind victory
How Cape Town City beat Chiefs
Citizens coach Muhsin Ertugral impressed by players’ performance as he looks to make it two consecutively when they host Pirates
Cape Town City coach Muhsin Ertugral said that the squad needed confidence and to work as a collective to change things around.
Ertugral began his tenure as the Citizens coach with a 1-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs in the Premier Soccer League match at Cape Town Stadium on Sunday after taking over from Eric Tinkler in December.
Darwin Gonzalez scored the only goal in the first half to hand City the three points, and Ertugral was satisfied with what he saw from his players.
“You can change a lot in three days, the collectiveness, the belief in themselves that it worked in the training session very well and they loved it,” Ertugral told the media.
“So, that interchange was good. That freedom in certain aspects has to be there. This team was always in the top five, so I had a bit of motivation and self-belief which I knew we needed to work on.
“We also need to work more on entries. The playing pattern was not important.”
Ertugral will be looking to make it two consecutive wins when they host Orlando Pirates at Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday at 7.30pm.
The 65-year-old said it was easy for him because he has been at the club for a while, serving as a technical director.
“It was not long for us to work [issues out]. I know the team well since I have been back in SA in October and I was always connected to John Comitis and we were talking about the team and my future,” he said.
“He always invited me to their games and knew where the problems were. With Chiefs, I always have interest and I have been watching them closely. They are a good team and there is quality.
“We worked collectively in the last three days when we lost the important ball. The most important thing is how we can counter because we know Chiefs are a team that has a deficit when you have a quick transition.
“We had six or seven entries into the last third and the team was disciplined; I’m surprised how quickly we get this collective when we lose the ball and I’m happy for the players.”
Fixtures
Wednesday: CPT City vs Pirates, Cape Town (7.30pm); Chiefs vs Stellenbosch, FNB (7.30pm); AmaZulu vs Sekhukhune, King Zwelithini (7.30pm).
Saturday: Magesi vs AmaZulu, Old Peter Mokaba (3.30pm); Gallants vs CPT City, Dr Molemela (3.30pm); Chippa vs Royal, Nelson Mandela Bay, (5.45pm).
Sunday: Chiefs vs Arrows, Moses Mabhida (3.30pm); SuperSport vs Sekhukhune (5.45pm).
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