Former SuperSport United coach Eric Tinkler admits that one of his toughest challenges was to change his coaching philosophy at the club.

The 47-year-old parted ways with Matsatsantsa after their disappointing run in the Absa Premiership this season, having won just six out of 24 matches.

SuperSport currently occupy 13th place in the PSL standings with 27 points, three points away from the relegation zone with seven games remaining in the season.

‘Well, the harsh reality of football as a coach, is that you are only as good as your last game,’ Tinkler told the Sowetan.

‘There is only so much we can do as coaches, but what matters at the end of the day is what the players go out and do during the game.

‘Man management is very important and dealing with the different dynamics of personalities. There was no pre-season, it was difficult to change from one coaching philosophy to the next.’

The former Cape Town City mentor says he’ll use this time to reconnect with his family before returning to coaching.

‘Definitely, it’s not the end in terms of coaching. I just need some family time – time to do some introspection,’ he added.

‘I need to spend time with my family. I have two young kids who I need to build a relationship with. My son is 16 and he needs to get to know me as a father.

‘I have been away so much that I must spend time with my kids. I will take a break for a few months.’

The club’s assistant coach Kaitano Tembo will take over the reins of the club until the end of the current campaign.