Enyimba head coach Emmanuel Deutsch has spoken openly about reported distractions around the club, amid growing claims of a rift between the camp of chairman Kanu Nwankwo and officials of the Abia State Sports Ministry.
Deutsch expressed his unhappiness over what he described as selfish interests around the club, while calling on Enyimba supporters to stand against anything that could affect the team.
“If you see everything happening in the papers and on the internet, we can’t imagine the kind of power some people want,” Deutsch said.
“There’s a chairman there, you can cooperate with him and you work. Because the distractions affect the mentality of the players.”
The coach also defended Kanu’s commitment to the players, saying the former Super Eagles captain has continued to provide personal support to the team.
“But thank God the chairman is doing his best. He adds his own resources to make sure the players are well fed,” Deutsch said.
“He shows personal interest; those who lost their parents, he tries to boost their morale that he would take care of all those things. This is the kind of things we need, not selfish interests.
“Because there are people with selfish interest around the team but we are calm.”
Deutsch’s comments come at a time when reports of a possible change in Enyimba’s management have generated concern among supporters and football stakeholders in Abia.
Sources close to the club have alleged that Abia State Commissioner for Sports, Nwaobilor Ananaba, is pushing for changes to the current management structure, with Daniel Eke reportedly being considered for a major role in the running of the club.
There are also unconfirmed claims that any change in the management structure could affect the technical department, with Kabiru Dogo reportedly being considered as a possible replacement for Deutsch.
However, neither the Abia State Government nor Enyimba has officially confirmed plans to remove Kanu as chairman or replace the current technical crew.
The reported disagreement has raised questions over the relationship between Kanu’s camp and officials of the Sports Ministry.
Speaking further, Deutsch urged Abia people and Enyimba supporters to protect the club from distractions.
“I want all the Abia fans to understand this. You cannot succeed without discipline,” he said.
“I want Abians and Enyimba fans to stand up against those who want to distract the team because Enyimba is a very big team. I’m talking like this because I’m not happy.”
The coach also reminded supporters of Enyimba’s history in African football.
“Enyimba are double CAF Champions League champions. The people who made this happen had discipline,” he said.
“Now we want to rebuild the team, some people want to come to take over the team due to selfish interests. Enyimba fans should rise and demand an end to the distractions because Enyimba must succeed.”
Deutsch, however, insisted that the team remains focused on its immediate football duties.
“For now, we concentrate on tomorrow’s game,” he added.
The reported tension comes as Enyimba continue their campaign, with the club’s management and technical team expected to remain under close attention as the situation develops.
