Zimbabwe Warriors stars ‘resisting’ new coach’s instructions

By KickOff

Zimbabwe squad coach Mario Marinica has admitted that there has been some resistance from the players in adapting to his way of doing things.

Marinica started his reign with a 3-1 defeat to Algeria in an international friendly played in Saudi Arabia on Thursday evening.

There had been rumours of division in the camp after Khama Billiat and Marshal Munetsi were left out of the November camp, but the Zimbabwe Football Association insisted there were no issues.

The Romanian-born coach claims there has been some resistance from the players, but insists it is still early days.

“In patches, the instructions were taken well [during the game against Algeria], but on the other hand, always in a new thing, there is resistance to change.

“Probably, some of them, deep down they wanted the things that were done before, but those things that were done before need to be changed because if they were good, I wouldn’t be here.

“If they would have had seven or eight wins in World Cup qualification, I wouldn’t be here for sure, but unfortunately, no wins in less than 10 matches, only five draws and only five goals scored. So, obviously, they have to change, and I am here to help them change,” explained Marinica.

Zimbabwe will take on Qatar in their final international friendly before the Africa Cup of Nations gets underway next month.