I may return to Kotoko as better coach - Lugarusic

The Porcupine Warriors terminated the contract of their boss on Sunday but he is already eyeing a quick return

Former Asante Kotoko manager, Zdravko Lugarusic, has admitted he made several mistakes during his first stint with the club but has promised to make a return in the future.

The Croatian boss, who lasted only three months in charge of the club, saw his 3-5-2 formation being heavily criticised as Kotoko continued to drop points in the Ghana Premier League.

However, despite leaving the Kumasi-based club in third position with 18 points, four points behind leaders Wafa after eleven games, he says he will return one day as a better coach to right the wrongs.

“Coaches are coming and going and I think I tried my best for the moment for Kotoko and had proper support,” Lugarusic told Light FM.

“Sometimes, small refereeing decisions or small mistakes from defenders or attackers determine the destiny of coaches. I had few of such mistakes and sometimes they were from me and such things put us in a difficult situation.

“If I am leaving, it doesn’t mean goodbye. Maybe I will see you you again and that is the key thing. All of us are learning and maybe in a year, two or three years time I will be a bit better coach. A better coach compared to what I am right now and I can be here again,” he added.

Prior to Lugarusic’s sacking, a section of the club’s supporters stormed the training grounds and prevented him from entering the facility. There were heavily security presence to protect life and properties after his last game against Ebusua Dwarfs on Sunday but in spite of the ‘unfair’ treatment, he has thanked everyone at the club.

“I must say a big thank you to the management of Kotoko for giving me such an opportunity to be the coach of such a big club.

“Secondly, I want to say big thank you to the fans for their support. Even in the time that we did not play good football, they were still behind us but thanks also for the hard times and experiences, it is part of the job,” he added.

Assistant coach Godwin Ablordey has taken over the mantle as caretaker and will be assisted by club legend Stephen Frimpong Manso, whose son Edwin Frimpong Manso is a defender in the first team.

Kotoko travel to Wa on Sunday to play title holders Wa All Stars at the Malik Jabir Park in matchday 12 of the GHPL campaign.