Klopp inspired Pitso on how Mzansi media crucified him

Clubless ex-Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane is inspired by Jurgen Klopp and spills the beans on how Mzansi media crucified him when said he will be the best coach in Africa.

Mosimane was in charge of Bafana when he made such a bold statement, saying some SAFA executives also didn’t believe in his ideologies.

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Having also coached Mamelodi Sundowns, SuperSport United, and Al Ahly in the African continent, Mosimane is now linked with Kaizer Chiefs.

Speaking to The Athletic, Mosimane reveals that he is seriously inspired by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp whose teams initiate play from the back.

In his full maiden season at Chloorkop, Pitso lifted the PSL title where he stayed for eight terms and claimed an impressive 11 trophies.

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KLOPP INSPIRED PITSO ON HOW MZANSI MEDIA CRUCIFIED HIM

Mosimane says the first six months at Chloorkop were all about assessing the players before introducing his philosophy.

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“The first six months was about assessing the squad,” Mosimane says.

“I changed the whole team and recruited different players with the right mentality. We won the league in my first full year.

“I like my teams to build from the back, we need to keep the ball and dominate our opponents.

“When we don’t have possession, we need to recover the ball as soon as possible. I’m a big fan of Manchester City, Brighton, Arsenal and (Carlo) Ancelotti at Real Madrid.

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“Sometimes you copy things as a coach. I like how (Jurgen) Klopp plays with his counter-pressing. I like teams that are really principled in terms of defending too. So I take all those good things together.”

MOSIMANE ON WORKING AT BAFANA AND CRUCIFIED BY MZANSI MEDIA

The Kagiso-born mentor adds that he was like a sponge as he worked under Brazil’s legendary coach Carlos Alberto Parreira.

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He joined Bafana after spending six campaigns with Matsatsantsa A Pitori and lifted two cup trophies before joining Parreira for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

“I was like a sponge — absorbing everything that he did. I learned a lot from him about movement, tactics, and how to organise your team,” adds Mosimane.

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“One of the (South Africa Football Association) executive members advised me not to play those big games as I would put myself under pressure.

“I wanted to transform the team, but they let me go. I told them, ‘Please don’t sack me, I have more to give’.

” “I got emotional and I said ‘I’m going to be one of the best coaches on the continent — watch this space’.

“The media killed me for that. They said I had never won the league. I regretted saying it. Talk to me now, though: who is the top coach on the continent?”

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