Lee Man coach Matt Holland vows to ‘shake club up’ after questioning players’ attitudes
New head coach accuses players of ‘taking it too easy’ as he targets first silverware of his reign in Senior Shield final against Eastern
Matt Holland has questioned the attitude and commitment of his Lee Man squad and vowed to “shake the club up” as the defending champions prepare for Thursday’s Senior Shield final against Eastern.
Head coach Holland, who replaced title-winning boss Tsang Chiu-tat in November, read his players the Riot Act at half-time of their 4-3 victory over lowly North District on Saturday.
“Mr Lee [club president Norman Lee Man-yan] is amazing. He looks after people the right way, you get your salary and bonus on time – and people take it too easy here,” Holland said.
“I’m not here for an easy ride. I’m here to shake people up and shake the club up, and make sure they can win a title again. Players can’t take things for granted.”
Last week, Holland completed the loan signing of 33-year-old defender Ryan Tafazolli from English League One club Wycombe Wanderers. The club have allowed foreign summer recruits Jiloan Hamad and Gaizka Martinez to leave.
“[Tafazolli] is a good signing for Hong Kong football – a lot of people here love football and they deserve a better league,” Holland said. “I’m not interested in signing players who are 37 or 38 and coming for a holiday and a last pay cheque.