Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has hit back at critics following a 1-1 draw with Orlando Pirates at the Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon.
Peter Shalulile opened the scoring for the home side but the Buccaneers drew level through Camren Dansin just before half-time. The second half of the match did not produce any goals as both teams settled for a point.
Some Sundowns supporters were not happy with Cardoso’s tactics and felt the Portuguese settled for a draw.
Speaking after the match, the former Esperance coach dismissed those claims.
“Despite people say, you’re a defensive coach, that’s bullsh*t – so what I mean, it’s not true, we wanted to win the match and at half-time I was very hard on my players in terms of mindset, in terms of attitude, because for this match we had an expression all week.
“Nobody kills an attitude, and at half-time I said, is that the attitude nobody is able to kill, the one we had when we conceded a goal, because I was a little bit of ‘what is in your mind guys’ after you suffer a goal.
Sundowns fans want Cardoso out
Despite Downs playing to a draw, some of the club’s supporters felt Cardoso was too safe especially when he plays against quality teams like Pirates.
@Zwana wrote: “We will not win any big games under Miguel Cardoso. He just plays not to lose.”
@HarvWulf wrote: “Miguel Cardoso has never started a competition and won it, always takes over someone’s work and rides it out.. I genuinely despise the guy, whole heartedly.”
@Llekamania_ wrote: “Coach Miguel Cardoso plays not to lose, especially in big games and I hate that.”
Cardoso has already lost out on two cup competitions this season and only his league form will save his Sundowns job.