Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro says he is happy with his start to life at the club but warns they are far from their best yet.
Pirates are currently second in the DStv Premiership after their 2-0 win over TS Galaxy on Saturday evening at Orlando Stadium and two points off league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
Last month, Pirates were hailed as the only genuine title contenders to Sundowns by SuperSport United head coach Gavin Hunt and while Riveiro has played down the notion, he admits he’s happy with what they have achieved to a certain degree.
“I’m very happy in general terms, not only because of the results, I think the results should be even better, to be honest,” Riveiro said in the post-match press conference.
“We’re in a good position, yes, but I would [have] liked more points than 14. I think we played to get more points than what we really have. But there’s nothing we can do [about] that.”
The Spanish tactician admitted over the last few weeks the fixture schedule that’s seen them play eight league games and one MTN8 clash has given him little opportunity to work with the players on the training pitch from a tactical aspect.
But with 14 points out of a possible 21 so far, he’s looking to be optimistic, given they will now have a long break before facing Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final first leg on 1 October.
“We have to look to the future and it’s much easier to prepare for the next games, also before this break, to have a victory like this. After one defeat getting back on the winning track as soon as possible, it’s crucial. You know why…
“I’m happy but still, I think the gap to improve for this team is still very big, we’re not at our best.”
