Kotoko coach Zachariassen facing the sack after CL exit
The Norwegian has suddenly found himself under fire.
Kjetil Zachariassen’s sacking at Asante Kotoko appears imminent as club sources strongly hint management is just awaiting final executive approval to dispense with the 50-year-old.
The Norwegian coach is almost four months in charge of the Porcupine Warriors but is already facing the sack following their disgraceful exit from the 2019/20 Caf Champions League on Sunday.
Zachariassen, who was appointed July 6 after a short stint with regional rivals AshantiGold, guided Kotoko through the first qualifying round of the Champions League by eliminating Kano Pillars of Nigeria 4-3 on aggregate.
But he superintended a monumental capitulation last Sunday as Kotoko surrendered a two-goal first-leg lead to exit the competition after losing 3-0 at the hands of Tunisian side Etoile du Sahel.
Footy-Ghana.com understands that the Kotoko management and Executive Chairman Kwame Kyei held a wide-ranging review of what went wrong and why and tilted towards relieving Zachariassen of his duties on grounds of ‘questionable’ player selection and tactical decisions, relationship and ultimately his “Champions-League-not-our-level” comments post Sunday’s defeat in Monastir.
The coach, it is further understood, could find his rear end on the line when his employers meet once more over a final decision and plans for the Caf Confederation Cup playoffs upon the team’s return to Ghana on Tuesday.
All may not be gloomy for Zachariassen as Footy-Ghana.com sources also indicate he could have another chance to fight for his job if his employers do not have an immediate replacement in sight. There are rumours of a German trainer as his successor.
Kjetil Zachariassen was handed a three-year contract by Asante Kotoko with the task to lead the club to the group stage of the 2019/20 Caf Champions League in the first season.
