VIDEO: Ackermann's anger aimed at 'misleading media'
Johan Ackermann had a ‘no-nonsense’ approach to the game as a player, and he is showing that same disposition as a coach, especially when dealing with the prickly issue of the media.
Ackermann, 55, has been at loggerheads with the media this week since the ‘leaking’ of information about a request for some ‘oversight’ from Rassie Erasmus’ backroom staff.
The Bulls coach, who replaced Jake White at the start of the season, has been unrelenting in his stance that the media has created the ‘firestorm’ over his request to involve Springbok coaches in supporting the team.
Ackermann, in a media release earlier in the week and again on Friday, emphasised that the speculation suggesting Bok assistant coaches would be helping the Bulls during derby week is unfounded.
On Friday, he was premeditatedly fiery with his jabs at the media.
Asked by Jan de Koning what areas or aspects of their game require ‘oversight’, the 13-times capped former lock went on the offensive.
“I am very disappointed in the media, for only now asking the question,” he responded.
“It is funny how you guys run with the stories that social media spreads. Everybody jumped on the bandwagon, started rumours, and then it became a whole thing.
“Maybe it’s a way to sell more tickets, get the game more spicy. I don’t know why you guys did it.”
In an animated response, he said everybody has his number and should have just called him.
He then explained that the question about his team’s leaky defence – conceding 30 tries in seven URC matches – was the main reason he approached the Bok coach, Rassie Erasmus.
(WATCH as Bulls coach Johan Ackermann takes aim at the media for he regards as ‘misleading’ reporting on his request for Springbok coaching oversight…..)
“Everybody makes this issue about us missing tackles and conceding five tries [per match],” he said, adding: “If all the ‘coaches’ out there, are typing messages and commenting on it, then I must ensure we are addressing the right stuff.
“Are we feeling the pressure and maybe missing stuff?”
That is the reasoning behind the call to Erasmus.
“I phoned Rassie and said: ‘Listen, while your coaches are not doing anything at the moment’.
“Like I did with the Lions when I was there. It was clear that the Springbok coach has a Mobi-Unit and that Mobi-Unit is available [to whoever needs it], like the Sharks have done, as the Lions have done in the past.
“When the Springboks trained for two weeks at the Johannesburg Stadium [next to Ellis Park], they had free access to watch all the Bok training sessions, meet with the coaches, sharing ideas.
“Now, all of a sudden, it’s this big issue only because somebody who doesn’t know what he’s talking about leaked this thing.”
Ackermann pointed out that Eddie Jones helped the Springboks before, and Tony Brown is helping them now.
“Coaches speak to each other and share ideas. That’s the reality,” he said.
“If you think you know everything, you’re on the wrong path.
“All these clever people who have a lot to say about this must be millionaires, because they must be the best business people.”
He said he phoned Erasmus and asked for the Bok defence coach to sit down with the Bulls’ defence coach and look at their systems.
“The Springboks have won two World Cups, they are the best team in the world.
“What do they do that is so successful?”
The Bok defence coach, Irishman Jerry Flannery, is not currently in South Africa.
Erasmus offered another Irishman, Felix Jones, looking after player roadmaps, training extras, and general tactics in the Bok set-up.
“He knows attack and defence, all aspects. He is in South Africa.
“I said, even if they send Duane [Vermeulen, a double World Cup-winning Bok].
“It just needs a set of independent eyes to try and identify the areas we must work on.
“It was not to come and coach us, not tell us how to beat teams, not give game plans away.
“Then it became a flipped ridiculous story.
“I am just annoyed at how the media has handled it.”
@JanDKrugby
@rugby365com
