Embattled coach Ernst Middendorp is willing to vacate his position at Swallows FC if the powers that be single him out as the problem.
That’s what the German mentor said after his troops were hammered 4-1 in the Soweto Derby by Orlando Pirates at Dobsonville Stadium on Friday night.
In-form Pirates star Monnapule Saleng scored a hat-trick, while Terrance Dzvukamanja was also on target, with Mthokozisi Shwabule netting the consolation goal for Swallows.
To make matters worse, it was three vital points dropped at home for Swallows, who are in the DStv Premiership relegation zone.
After the disappointing loss in front of the home crowd, Middendorp said he had no message for the Dube Birds supporters, who are having sleepless nights due to the club’s perilous position in 14th place on the log standings.
WHY Ernst Middendorp HAS NO MESSAGE FOR THE SWALLOWS FANS
“What is the situation [at Swallows]? I’m in a position of a coach, and I’m not a PR manager or whatever,” said Middendorp when asked what he would like to say to the club’s faithful after the Pirates defeat.
“If there is unhappiness with certain procedures or they [supporters] are not happy with the results, or they’re not happy, address it to the management, address it to the chairman [Mogashoa].
“And the chairman should make a decision, and then it’s fine. It’s okay if they think more is possible; they have to play top four or top three.
“If this is putting this expectation into the faces, into the back and the muscles of supporters or fans from Swallows, everybody wants to do better, everybody wants to have a fine position, everybody needs to celebrate the weekend, it’s fine.
“But I’m a realist, I’m not a fantasy, and whatever I know what we are capable of, I know when we are capable of to have 100% commitment to have 100% focus to have everybody available, and some players were not available for different reasons.
“And we had a very hectic week. All this it’s not a discussion for the public, but all this stuff has to be really handled in a proper way that you have a good direction, that’s what it is, but if somebody thinks he must express or whatever, good luck go ahead,” concluded Middendorp.
Swallows are six points away from bottom-placed Marumo Gallants, who have a game in hand.
And with Middendorp at the helm, Swallows have collected 11 points in 10 league games; three wins, five defeats and two draws.
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