Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso hits back at critics

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has hit back at critics who continue to label him as a defensive coach, especially following his side’s CAF Champions League quarter-final success against Esperance.

Despite guiding the Brazilians to the semi-finals with a 1-0 aggregate win, Cardoso found himself once again defending his tactical philosophy particularly in Tunisia, where he believes there’s a misunderstanding of his approach. “People in Tunisia developed an idea about me as a coach that is not correct,” said Cardoso. “Even in the last few weeks, I heard again that I’m a defensive coach. But that’s not exactly true.”

Cardoso emphasized the importance of adaptability in elite-level football, noting that each game and opponent requires a tailored approach. “You cannot be naïve. If you want to succeed against teams like Esperance, Al Ahly, Pirates, and others, you must be very complete as a team,” said Cardoso. “Earlier in my career I thought I could win against everyone the same way, but football taught me otherwise.”

For the Portuguese tactician, adaptability is a strength, not a flaw. “You can’t play the same way in Rades as you do at Loftus .There are always different games happening within one match. Sometimes you have to be risky, sometimes brave, sometimes strategic.” he explained.

Cardoso also opened up about the pressure of decision-making from the touchline and how he leans on his faith to guide him. "In the locker room, I told the players there was a moment when I was struggling with my assistants, trying to find how to help them. That’s our job to help the players. And I always pray before matches, asking God to help me make the right decisions,” said Cardoso 

As Sundowns prepare for a blockbuster semi-final against Al Ahly, Cardoso’s message is clear, he’s not a coach stuck in one style, but one who reads the moment and responds with purpose.

IOL Sport