Cape Town - Free State Stars head coach Luc Eymael says he is happy with the relationship he enjoys with the South African Premiership club's management.

Ea Lla Koto have been one of the surprise packages of the league so far this season and are currently fifth on the table, six points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

Eymael, who previously worked at Polokwane City and Bloemfontein Celtic, said he had been warned off taking the Stars job by his predecessors. 

But instead, he says he's found a working environment in which he feels he can help the team flourish.

"I phoned all these guys because they are my friends (former Stars coaches), and they all told me I was going to the bush, where there's a stupid chairman (Mike Mokoena), stupid people. But it's been the complete opposite," Eymael told The Star.

"I have found people who are upfront with me and enjoy my work," the Belgian continued.

"I have also found a nice group of players. It's not my problem the other guys (coaches) were unhappy here. I don't want to judge anybody, but I have followed their careers and I know what they have done and why, [Giovanni] Solinas for example, leaves clubs," he added.

Eymael also credited the response he's received from the Ea Lla Koto players.

"For me what is important is that the players want to work. It's true that we don't have 22 players of the same level (as some of the Absa Premiership's bigger clubs), but when you arrive at a club, it’s your job to try and improve the players at your disposal.

"They have also adapted very quickly to my methods of training, which was most important to me. The results are there. I spoke to the chairman and told him I would like to have 22 points at the end of the first round, and we have obtained that."