‘Villain’ Eymael digs at critics, weighs options
Coach ready for CAF challenge
Luc Eymael has given his suitors an ultimatum to give him an offer by Friday or he’s staying put at Free State Stars.
“I can say now that if by Friday I do not have an offer on the table, then I will stay at Stars,” he said after guiding Stars to the Nedbank Cup triumph with a 1-0 win over Maritzburg United at the weekend.
“I have a good relationship with the management so I will remain here [at Stars] if nothing comes.”
Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United were believed to have been interested in the 58year-old but it has emerged that Eymael’s controversial character has turned off the two clubs.
The Belgian, who has a mercurial and confrontational character, has earned many admirers in South Africa but has at times rubbed people the wrong way.
He allegedly clashed with Chiefs manager Bobby Motaung while Steve Komphela was the coach.
SuperSport may also be opting out of appointing him as Matsatsantsa a Pitori appear to be courting Maritzburg coach Fadlu Davids.
Moments after steering Ea Lla Koto to the Ke Yona’s R7million prize cup on Saturday, Eymael started the press conference in a way only he can.
He found the opportunity to rub it in the faces of his detractors too irresistible to pass him by at Cape Town Stadium.
“Is there a journalist from… [a certain newspaper] here?” he asked, to no response.
“OK, it’s unfortunate they are not here. They wrote things about me, saying I am a villain and that my English with my French accent is not good. I wonder if they can speak French, English and Italian like me…”
It was classic Eymael in his element.
He said he would make a decision on his future in the next week.
With Stars having qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup for the first time, Eymael feels he would be ready for the challenge.
“I know that it will cost money because of the travels. I told the management what to prepare for. But I don’t want a big squad. For me, a team of 22 players of quality is perfect. ”
I can say that if by Friday I do not have an offer, I will stay at Stars