Eymael shifts focus to top four finish
Free State Stars mentor Luc Eymael says his realistic target is finishing in the top four following his side’s 1-1 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday night.
Luc Eymael Pic: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix
Ea Lla Koto emerged as the surprise package this season as they are currently fourth on the Absa Premiership log, trailing leaders Masandawana by six points.
Eymael is targeting an improved position for Stars as compared to the previous seasons where their highest finish dates back to the 2011/12 campaign where they finished sixth.
“If we are to finish in the top eight it will be a very good performance if you look at the previous years with the team,” said Eymael.
“If we are in the top four, then it is fantastic, it will be a big miracle, they will have to build a statue for the team,” he said jokingly. “We need seven points to be in the top eight.”
“It is a bit sad that we didn’t win because had we won we would’ve been No.1 on the Q-Innovation. But I know that Orlando Pirates are playing Kaizer Chiefs (on March 3), so we will see if we can bounce back against AmaZulu at home,” Eymael added.
READ: Sundowns stutter against Free State Stars
The former Polokwane City coach intended to travel back to Bethlehem with all three points in the bag.
“Some journalist asked me: Are you making a special plan to play Sundowns, are you going to the pitch to draw?
“How can you ask these things,” questioned the Belgian.
“I don’t know a coach in the world who enters the pitch to draw or to lose. You are always preparing your team to win despite the fact that you are facing Sundowns or Barcelona… it is the same thing. If you are entering the pitch to lose, you have to stop being a coach.”
