• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 2 months ago

Tusker coach Mette admits he faces tough task ahead

New Tusker head coach Julien Mette has admitted that he faces a huge task of rebuilding the Brewers after starting his tenure with a loss, but insists there are already positive signs within the squad.

The French tactician took charge of his first match last Saturday, where Tusker suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Shabana.

Despite the setback, Mette says he has been encouraged by how quickly the players have responded to his ideas ahead of Wednesday’s clash against Murang’a Seal at Wang’uru Stadium in Kirinyaga.

“I am very pleased and happy with the players. I am positively surprised because they have understood and practiced many of the instructions I have given them,” Mette said.

He admitted that time is limited, but believes the team is moving in the right direction.

“Of course, we need time to achieve exactly what we want to do. I have been here for only one week, but we are on a good path,” he added.

The former academy coach at AS Saint-Étienne pointed to Tusker’s reaction after conceding against Shabana as proof that his message is already sinking in.

Instead of collapsing, the Brewers pushed forward in search of an equaliser and controlled large parts of the game, but were unlucky not to get at least a point.

“For me, what was important was the reaction. When we conceded, the team did not give up. We tried to apply what we had worked on in training. It is unlucky that we did not come back with a point or even three,” Mette explained.

Club captain Charles Momanyi has echoed the coach’s optimism, saying the players have fully embraced the new technical bench and are eager to improve.

“The coach has been very interactive. We are learning from each other, and as players, we have received him well. He is a winner and always wants to win, so we must push ourselves,” Momanyi said.

Saturday’s defeat left Tusker in 11th place in the Kenyan Premier League standings — a rare position for a club used to challenging for the title.

The Brewers now face an in-form Murang’a SEAL side, who have been impressive this season and boast the league’s current top scorer, Joe Waithira. The match is expected to test Tusker’s character and discipline.

However, Mette insists his main focus remains on improving his own team rather than worrying too much about the opponent.

“I analyse the opponent, but I am focused 90 per cent on how my team plays. If we correct our mistakes, I am sure we will be unbeatable. There are small details we need to improve,” he said.

With pressure mounting and results needed quickly, Tusker will be hoping that Mette’s new era begins to take shape when they return to action on Wednesday.