The former AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia coach left Kenya Police on very bad terms barely two months after his appointment, and Muguna has explained what led to the fallout.
Harambee Stars and Kenya Police FC midfielder Kenneth Muguna has shed light on the reasons behind Croatian coach Zdravko Logarusic's departure from the club, just two months after his appointment.
Logarusic, who previously managed both Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, was dismissed following controversial comments he made about his players' age after a 2-0 loss to KCB.
The fallout from Logarusic's public criticism led to internal discord, with players feeling disrespected, ultimately forcing the board to relieve him of his duties.
14:00 - 03.07.2024
CECAFA Kagame Cup: Gor Mahia pooled in Group B of regional showdown
Gor Mahia will face very tricky opponents in the tournament, which commences on July 9 as they continue prerparations for next season's CAF Champions League.
Muguna, who recently helped Police qualify for continental football for the first time in their history by clinching the FKF Cup, detailed the sequence of events in an interview with Buzz Sports.
"At first it was good. We were even producing positive results when he came in, then along the way, I do not know what happened, but we stopped being close," Muguna said.
He suggested that Logarusic’s failure to build a rapport with the players was a significant factor in the breakdown of their relationship.
"We were never close to him. We did not have conversations that much for both of us to know each other more. It was strictly professional.
15:12 - 01.07.2024
Johnstone Omurwa: 5 memorable achievements as he departs Portuguese club Estrela Amadora
Former Wazito FC and Mathare United defender Johnstone Omurwa parts ways with Estrela Amadora after impactful tenure in Portugal.
“ By the time he was leaving, it was up to both the office and coach to decide his fate. As players, we had no problems because we already held a conversation with him."
Muguna revealed that the players had confronted Logarusic to express their displeasure with his comments about their age.
"Most of us have been in the league for a long time, but football is not about age. Maybe at underage level, it matters, but in top-flight football, as long as you are fit and you can deliver, it doesn't matter."
"When he called us that, we were not happy. We called for a meeting with him and told him how we felt. We told him to tell us how he felt before spreading negative news outside. We are the same players he needed to give him results and portray his image as a good coach."
16:10 - 02.07.2024
COSAFA Cup player ratings: Austin Odhiambo and Byrne Omondi shine in Kenya's win over Zimbabwe
Austin Odhiambo and Byrne Omondi shone in Kenya's 2-0 win over Zimbabwe in the ongoing 2024 COSAFA Cup, but how did everyone else perform?
Despite the players’ efforts to resolve the issue internally, Logarusic's position became untenable. Following his dismissal, the players celebrated their next victory, a 3-0 win over Kakamega Homeboyz, by mimicking old men walking, a gesture interpreted as a response to Logarusic's comments.
"We planned for the celebration earlier in the game. It was not for him, but to express ourselves," Muguna clarified. "Loga is a good coach and I wish him all the best in his endeavors."
As Kenya Police FC moves forward, Muguna's insights highlight the importance of communication and mutual respect between coaches and players in achieving team success.