Gateway United FC of Abeokuta coach, Ayo Filani has appealed to the club’s management for patience and continued support of their team, after they battled to a goalless draw at home against Heartland of Owerri.
Sports247 reports that the barren result in The Rock City left Gateway United rooted to last position in Group A of the second-tier Nigeria National League (NNL), but Filani believes his squad can still bounce back as the season rolls along.
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Filani barely stopped short of blaming his players for yet another disappointing result at home, which came after a 1-0 loss to Inter Lagos FC at the same venue in their opening game of the season was followed by a 2-0 defeat away to Sunshine Stars of Akure.
He retorted, “We gave it all we’ve got during our practice sessions. Even in friendly matches, our players try to execute what we want them to do.
“At a point, we looked like we were getting it right. However, the most disappointing part of it is that, when we introduce players who we think would add value, they sometimes perform below average.”
Filani admitted that results are what the fans and management need, not apologies, but expressed hope for a better outing on December 13th, when they host Abia Comets of Umuahia, after taking a rest next weekend due to the withdrawal of Dakkada FC.
The embattled coach added, “Apologising will not be enough, because the fans want results, and that’s what we are not giving them. Gateway is a big team and a club that is not supposed to be at this level.
“All the same, moving forward, our next game is still going to be at home, because Dakkada won’t honour the fixture before it. So, hopefully, we can rebound from there.
“A lot of improvements will definitely have to take place before then. A lot of reshuffling most likely will happen, which could even affect the coaching crew. We just hope that, very soon, we’ll get it right.”
He concluded with a call for patience from everyone connected to The Rock City outfit, as he believes total support as this point in time is the right tonic that would ginger the squad and ensure they get back to winning ways.
Filani submitted, “I just want to tell them to be patient with us. I believe full support will help us bounce back.
“That’s what I saw in a recent game when the home side was down, but the fans were still rallying around the team. That kind of action will go a long way in helping Gateway football club as well.
“So, I’ll just say they should be patient and, God willing, we’ll be able to stand our ground once again and make Gateway football fans proud.”
