Some players are refusing to adapt to my style – Zimbabwe coach Mario Marinica

Zimbabwe coach Mario Marinica has acknowledged that some players are finding it challenging to adjust to his methods.

The Romanian tactician’s tenure began with a 3-1 loss to Algeria in a friendly in Saudi Arabia on Thursday.

Marinica admitted that while parts of his strategy were followed during the match, resistance to change is natural at this stage.

“In patches, the instructions were taken well [during the game against Algeria], but on the other hand, always in a new thing, there is resistance to change.

“Probably, some of them, deep down they wanted the things that were done before, but those things that were done before need to be changed because if they were good, I wouldn’t be here.

“If they would have had seven or eight wins in World Cup qualification, I wouldn’t be here for sure, but unfortunately, no wins in less than 10 matches, only five draws and only five goals scored. So, obviously, they have to change, and I am here to help them change,” added Marinica.

Zimbabwe is set to face Qatar in their final warm-up before the Africa Cup of Nations begins next month.

Reports of tension within the squad—sparked by the exclusion of Khama Billiat and Marshal Munetsi from the November camp—have been dismissed by the Zimbabwe Football Association, which insisted there are no issues in the team.