Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer admits he needs new players at the club but now is not the time to shop for signings as he attempts to get to know his full 32-man squad.

The German coach arrived at the club at the beginning of December 2019, taking over from interim coach Rhulani Mokwena.

In this short time Zinnbauer has helped improve the club’s results and lift them up the table with two wins and a draw in his opening three fixtures.

The Soweto giants, though, have struggled defensively throughout the season as they have conceded a mammoth 23 goals from their opening 16 league games.

Their frailty at the back has led to many supporters crying out for new players to come in and bolster the backline, but Zinnbauer believes now is not the right time to sign anybody as he looks to get to know the squad he already has.

‘Yes, all coaches, we need players. We need new players but we have a good squad, and we have [many games in] 17 days now – and this week we have two games,’ said the 49-year-old.

‘For me, now it’s about the games and not new players. We have seven points, with eight goals [scored] and two goals [conceded], and we’ve had some good performances so far.

‘It’s not important now that I shop for other players, it’s not the moment to be shopping. We have 32 players in the squad now, and we’re working.

This is what new @orlandopirates coach Zinnbauer had to say when asked about potential incomings during the January transfer window. pic.twitter.com/OE6cvcgf8x

— Dean Workman (@DeanoWorks) January 13, 2020

‘It’s not so easy for me, but I show all players 100% belief and they need a little more time. Guys like Mhango, their heads are in now and they’re performing, while others need a little more time.

‘We don’t have time now if we have to look for my team and shop for other players, but new players are not important for me now. We have a good squad, and that’s it,’ he concluded.