Enyimba on way to revival, says Deutsch

Peoples Elephant hosts Kun Khalifat without fans

Newly-appointed head coach Emmanuel Deutsch has stated he is not the ‘best’ tactician available, but declared that Enyimba will ‘bounce back’ under his watch.
The Cameroon-born gaffer took over the reins at the two-time African champions a week ago, replacing Deji Ayeni.
In his first game, the former Abia Warriors handler guided Enyimba to an impressive 1-1 draw against Rivers United in Port Harcourt on Sunday – a result that moved his side one spot up to 14th on the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) standings – in what has hitherto been an underwhelming campaign for the record nine-time Nigerian champions.
Speaking afterwards, Deutsch promised to revive the team with just 11 matches left in the season.
“Enyimba are the best team in Nigeria,” he noted. “They have won back-to-back CAF Champions League, 9 league titles and many FA Cups.
“I wouldn’t say that ‘I’m the best,’ but I will do my best. I am not the best coach, but I will do my best, because there are past coaches who have done better than me. But I believe as time goes on, I still have a little time before the end of the season. I think Enyimba will be in good shape.
He added: “Enyimba will bounce back. There is no argument about that, because they are humans. We all make mistakes but we’ll correct our mistakes.”
Supporting his coach’s claims, Enyimba midfielder, Paul Odeh, is confident the team will ‘adapt fast’ to Deutsch’s philosophy to bounce back to reckoning.
The former African champions have had a torrid time so far in the NPFL this season, where they currently occupy a disappointing 14th position with 32pts from 27 matches.
A week ago, Deutsch was appointed to replace former gaffer Deji Ayeni following a string of poor results, and the Cameroonian hit the ground running with a heart-warming 1-1 draw against Rivers United in Port Harcourt on Sunday in his first game in charge of the club.
Speaking to Enyimbafc.net, Odeh, a former Rivers United defender, says adapting to the new Coach’s tactics and philosophy is now a necessity to get the team out of its current position.
“You know it’s not difficult to change coaches, but you have to adapt to the style of play, philosophy and the rest (of the new coach),” he said. “But then, as a player, you also have to adapt fast to make sure you get yourself in order or in shape to flow with the journey.
“You know it’s a marathon league, and there is no time. And as you can see, we are not standing well on the table. So, we have to put in everything and adapt fast to make sure we move up on the table.”
Enyimba will continue their resurgence under the new handler Deutsch with a home game against relegation-threatened Kun Khalifat in Aba on Sunday.
The game against Kun Khalifat FC will be played without fans, Enyimba have announced.
The People’s Elephant said the directive comes from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), and marks the final of three home matches it must host without spectators.
Enyimba acknowledged the disappointment and inconvenience for their supporters, whose presence has long been a source of strength for the team.
“We understand the pain this causes our loyal fans and appeal for their patience and understanding,” the statement reads.
Enyimba emphasized that the order is beyond their control and pledged to work with authorities to meet compliance requirements and restore normal matchday experiences as quickly as possible.