Cape Town City coach Benni McCarthy cut a frustrated figure following his sides 2-1 loss against Chippa United, suggesting that the senior players and referee are to blame for the loss.

McCarthy’s slumped to their third consecutive loss in all competitions despite taking the lead against The Chilli Boys and the Bafana Bafana all-time top scorer revealed that some of his players need to catch a wake-up call.

‘As a coach, you have to be more responsible, but I think some of our senior players need a wake-up call. They deserve a slap or two,’ McCarthy said in post-match comments.

‘I couldn’t believe what was happening in the second half, it’s like the team remained in the dressing room.

‘I don’t know who came out. We conceded two silly goals that we wouldn’t usually concede. We concede, and then we can’t seem to get over that. We can’t get back into it.

‘It was a massive disappointment. I don’t know if I could blame myself, because what can you do when the team doesn’t pitch up in the second half? I think some players … senior players should take responsibility.

‘They’re not kids anymore. Football is a game of two halves. You can’t just play one half and not pitch up in the second half.

‘I’m tired of making excuses, saying the coach didn’t do this or that. Players have to stand up and be counted and take some responsibility,’ he added.

When asked about the performance of referee Phillip Tinyani, McCarthy said that he doesn’t want to talk about that cow.

‘Don’t ask me about that cow!’ he concluded.

City will look to defend their Telkom Knockout title when they host Absa Premiership toppers, Baroka in a last-16 clash at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday.

Photo: Samuel Shivambu/Backpagepix