OPINION: Lack of protocol cost hot-head Ertugral his job
A glaring lack of protocol and impulsive reaction to a humiliating defeat cost Muhsin Ertugral the Orlando Pirates coaching job and not, contrary to popular belief, the humiliation of defeat.
This came to light when Pirates Chairperson Irvin Khoza revealed that he had 'reluctantly' accepted the fiery Turkish coach's resignation in the wake of Tuesday night's 6-1 Absa Premiership hiding by SuperSport United in Mbombela.
The proud Buccaneers slumped to their lowest point since 1990, when they were clobbered by Mamelodi Sundowns by the same margin.
The defeat was bound to have an immediate ripple effect, with Ertugral unashamedly accepting accountability for the massive loss during a post-match interview on SuperSport.
"I will speak to my Chairman tomorrow and submit my resignation. We are responsible for what happened on that field and don't deserve to be in an Orlando Pirates jersey," he said.
Had Ertugral not been so impulsive in the heat of the moment, he may have been back on the Pirates training ground on Wednesday as the quest to pick up the pieces would have begun and stock taken of what was actually Pirates' first defeat of the season in seven starts.
Club boss Dr Irvin Khoza revealed that, true to his word, the coach had sent him an e-mail at 3.00 am on Wednesday morning requesting a release from his position.
But Khoza seemed visibly agitated that Ertugral had bucked team protocol and used the media as his first point of engagement as opposed to the Chairman of the club.
"It is important to give a coach a chance, but it was a bit distressing that Ertugral indicated his intention to media," said Khoza.
"I would have preferred him to consult first and not gone on record to the media. It is preferable to ensure a dignified exit," added the Chairman.
So, based on Khoza's comments, one is forced to assume that Ertugral shot himself in the foot by not containing his emotions in the public space.
Khoza could not specify whether Ertugral is in breach of contract for his public media statement.
"We don't tend to fire coaches. There is always pressure associated with the Pirates job. It's simply a case of it 'gets too hot in the kitchen," Khoza said.
In his usual matter-of-factly business-like approach, Khoza conceded that there isn't much in the local coaching pool at present and the current assistant coaching team of Bradley Carnell & Zipho Dlangalala would continue in their present roles.
Orlando Pirates Academy Director Augusto Palacios has subsequently agreed to take over the head coaching duties in an interim capacity.
Although non-committal at the time, Khoza hinted that he may consider utilising the consultative input of Palacios in a temporary capacity to help out.
Orlando Pirates face Highlands Park in the quarter-finals of the Telkom Knockout at Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening.
Kickoff is at 20h00.
(File Photo: Gallo Images)
Twitter - @SportswaveAndre
The proud Buccaneers slumped to their lowest point since 1990, when they were clobbered by Mamelodi Sundowns by the same margin.
The defeat was bound to have an immediate ripple effect, with Ertugral unashamedly accepting accountability for the massive loss during a post-match interview on SuperSport.
"I will speak to my Chairman tomorrow and submit my resignation. We are responsible for what happened on that field and don't deserve to be in an Orlando Pirates jersey," he said.
Had Ertugral not been so impulsive in the heat of the moment, he may have been back on the Pirates training ground on Wednesday as the quest to pick up the pieces would have begun and stock taken of what was actually Pirates' first defeat of the season in seven starts.
Club boss Dr Irvin Khoza revealed that, true to his word, the coach had sent him an e-mail at 3.00 am on Wednesday morning requesting a release from his position.
But Khoza seemed visibly agitated that Ertugral had bucked team protocol and used the media as his first point of engagement as opposed to the Chairman of the club.
"It is important to give a coach a chance, but it was a bit distressing that Ertugral indicated his intention to media," said Khoza.
"I would have preferred him to consult first and not gone on record to the media. It is preferable to ensure a dignified exit," added the Chairman.
So, based on Khoza's comments, one is forced to assume that Ertugral shot himself in the foot by not containing his emotions in the public space.
Khoza could not specify whether Ertugral is in breach of contract for his public media statement.
"We don't tend to fire coaches. There is always pressure associated with the Pirates job. It's simply a case of it 'gets too hot in the kitchen," Khoza said.
In his usual matter-of-factly business-like approach, Khoza conceded that there isn't much in the local coaching pool at present and the current assistant coaching team of Bradley Carnell & Zipho Dlangalala would continue in their present roles.
Orlando Pirates Academy Director Augusto Palacios has subsequently agreed to take over the head coaching duties in an interim capacity.
Although non-committal at the time, Khoza hinted that he may consider utilising the consultative input of Palacios in a temporary capacity to help out.
Orlando Pirates face Highlands Park in the quarter-finals of the Telkom Knockout at Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening.
Kickoff is at 20h00.
(File Photo: Gallo Images)
Twitter - @SportswaveAndre