Ouaddou reveals his main focus in Pirates pre-season camp
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has revealed what he is focusing on as the team prepares for the upcoming season. He says his main task at the moment is to build a strong team, particularly when it comes to defending at the back.
Pirates enter this season with high hopes after winning three trophies last season. Ouaddou says he wants to build upon that success. “This is an important area for me because I used to play as a defender. I believe that if you want to win trophies, you must first build a solid foundation,” Ouaddou said.
He added that defending well does not rely solely on the defenders, but depends on every single player on the pitch. “When we talk about defending, we are not just talking about the back four,” he continued. “We are talking about the entire team. We must all know when to press the opponent, where, and how, so that we can win the ball back.”
The Moroccan coach stated that his players must always be on the same page while on the field. “I always tell them that if all 11 players can answer these three questions at the same time, we stand a much better chance of winning the ball back and remaining solid.”
Although he was happy with how the team performed against Cordoba in a friendly match this week, Ouaddou said he is still concerned about conceding a goal. “I am happy with how the team carried themselves today, but I cannot be completely satisfied because we conceded a goal,” he concluded.
Ouaddou knows that much is expected from his Orlando Pirates side in the upcoming season. That is why he is doing everything possible to ensure he has a cohesive team that will work together and support one another on the pitch.