The Lions lose their king
DIE IS CAST: ACKERMANN ACCEPTS COACHING POSITION AT GLOUCESTER
‘It wasn’t easy to tell the players yesterday morning’.
Johan Ackermann admitted it was a very emotional time when he had to inform the Lions squad yesterday that he had resigned as head coach.
Ackermann will enjoy his final stint with the team and will take up a position as Gloucester’s new head coach after the Super Rugby campaign.
“I talked to the players and reminded them of January 2013 about the resurrection of the Lions and that means that every player wasn’t at the Lions by accident,” he said.
“There’s quite a special bond so it was quite emotional and special and hopefully they understand and I trust this is not goodbye.”
But Ackermann said he doesn’t believe the Lions’ results will suffer because of his decision.
“I will be disappointed if the supporters doubt my integrity and commitment to the side,” said Ackermann.
“It wasn’t easy to tell the players yesterday morning and it was quite an emotional time as they mean more to me than just players.”
The Lions have a bye this week after beating the Sharks 34-29 on Saturday and will face their next challenge against the unbeaten Stormers next weekend at Newlands.
“There’s no doubt about my loyalty to the Lions... hopefully until the very last hurdle,” he said.
“But there we must still do a lot of hard work.
“My journey will only start once my job is done here.”
Players like Elton Jantjies, Warren Whiteley, Robbie Coetzee, Franco Mostert and Ross Cronje started the journey with Ackermann in 2013.
“I owe it to all of them to be 100% committed to the union for what they have meant to me in my coaching career,” he said.
“I trust the players will see that and feel that and that their commitment will also be 100%.”
Ackermann became very emotional reading a note to the supporters and the union for allowing him the great opportunity to coach the team.
“Obviously it was a hard decision,” said Ackermann.
“Wasn’t easy and not just a oneday thing but the decision will hopefully enhance me as a coach. That was the main reason for it, because I haven’t been this happy before.”