CAPS train like Chelsea: Connor

captured the imagination of the world with a remarkable rearguard action that stunned Barcelona in the Champions League, Connor evoked their spirit yesterday.
The CAPS United manager also hailed the domestic Premiership as  very competitive.
The Northern Irishman has come under considerable pressure after a poor start by the Green Machine to their championship campaign.
His training methods have also been questioned this week.
CAPS United started their season with a 0-0 draw against Shabanie at Maglas before a 2-0 defeat to Chicken Inn at Gwanzura.
That defeat at home torched ugly scenes of violence but there was a reprieve when they earned three boardroom points, after Motor Action rebelled against authority, followed by heartbreak in an injury-time equaliser conceded against Harare City.
CAPS United face Gunners at Lafarge on Sunday, in what also looks to be a tricky game, but Connor is hopeful that this could mark a change of their fortunes.
“So far, I have found the Zimbabwe league to be very competitive,” said Connor, at his weekly media conference in the capital.
“In this first half, we are witnessing some very strange results with teams like Shabanie and Chicken Inn dominating.
“The next 15 to 20 games, we expect teams to be getting into a vein of form.
“The last half-a-dozen games will judge the teams that are going to win the championship and CAPS should be there at the top.”
Big words from a coach who faced the axe this week before the club’s leadership decided to go for diplomacy and ordered him to also let his assistant, Lloyd Chitembwe, have a big say in team preparations and selection.
Connor claims it’s still too early to judge him and he remains confident that his team will get it right.
“I have a job to do and we are still judging our rhythm,” said Connor.
“I know we have to win games and we train hard — go to the gym twice a week — and we also work on our mentality.
“Anyone who says that we train for just one hour is making a slur because we are doing everything and all we need is one result.
“It’s also not correct to say that African players cannot respond to certain types of training methods because our sessions are high tempo.’
“We are using the same methods that could be at Chelsea or any other team in Europe. 
“My training sessions are planned seven days in advance but the fans’ reactions are tied to a result.
“If we do not perform well, I try and motive the players by looking critically at the shortcomings so that we improve in the next games.”
Connor said he understood the frustration in the Green Army as CAPS United continues to fire blanks but appealed for more time to build his project.
“To be honest, all the pressure is on me because of the supporters’ expectations,” he said.
“I understand the fans’ frustrations, but would it not be better if they turn their energies into supporting the team?
“The fans have to get behind the players. All I ask is for them to support us and at least get off the players’ backs so that they are not under pressure.
“If that happens, we will take them on a journey they would enjoy at the end of the season.”
CAPS United have not won the league championship since winning back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006 and like a phoenix, Connor wants them to rise again.
“The team has not been leading since 2006 and now I am here with a long-term plan,” said Connor.
“CAPS United directors (Twine Phiri and Farai Jere) are businessmen who have made an investment.
“This is why I say people should not judge us now but at the end of the season.
“Some people many say we lost two points in Shabanie but the point gained could also prove to decisive at the end of the season.”
The Harare giants are battling to get the services of Chris Samakwere and Darryl Nyandoro, who misled CAPS United into signing them as free agents despite the duo still being contracted to DRC side TP Mazembe.
Connor said the players were key to his plans.
“We have trained with the players during the pre-season and had been using them,” said Connor.
“Darryl was very good at holding the ball well while Chris could create chances for others. They are quality players and losing them is a setback because they were key to our preparations. Chris is back in the DRC while Darryl is still training with us but that is not an excuse for us in failing to get results.”
CAPS United team captain Edmore Chafungamoyo also feels that the players have been letting down their technical department and the fans.
“To lose or play for a draw is not got enough at CAPS United in any game.
“Last week, we were nearly getting a win but lost.
“Playing for CAPS United is a matter of life and death because the fans are very demanding. So, as players, we feel the pressure but I hope the fans will rally behind us,” said Chafungamoyo.