A visibly furious Miguel Cardoso responded to the ongoing criticism and pressure he is facing at Mamelodi Sundowns after their goalless draw against Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday night.
Recently, Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou faced criticism, with club fans demanding his dismissal.
However, since Ouaddou successfully overcame Sundowns in the MTN8, the situation has shifted, with Cardoso now facing increased pressure.
Following the MTN8 match against Pirates, there were videos showing Sundowns supporters assaulting the team bus, venting their frustration after being knocked out of the competition.
Fans want Cardoso gone
Matters have seemed to have worsened after the draw against Amakhosi, as sections of Sundowns supporters were heard chanting “Cardoso must go” at the FNB Stadium.
When asked during the post-match press conference if the result was enough to save his job, the Portuguese tactician refused to respond.
“Next question, please … next question. Don’t joke with me, sir, please,” Cardoso furiously responded to a journalist.
“Why am I obliged to win every single game and be judged by that when other people can draw and not face the same criticism?
“We drew twice with Pirates [in the two-legged MTN8 semifinal], and we now draw with Chiefs, who were top of the table. I don’t see us drawing games against teams from the second or third division.
“What do you expect from these kinds of games? Do you think we can score five goals against them? Respect the opponents … you’re making them much worse than they are.”
Focused on rebuilding team
He continued: “Everybody wants to win every match, but no team wins every match, and if you are really fair to the people that work at Mamelodi Sundowns … the coaching staff, the technical department, and the sports director [Flemming Berg], people will understand that the team that played at the Fifa World Cup [in July] is not the same team that’s playing now.
“The absence of players Lucas Ribeiro and Khuliso Mudau has a significant impact on the team, necessitating a rebuild that is currently underway with younger players who barely played last year.
Our current focus is on rebuilding the team, a task we are pleased to undertake. We believe we will reach our goals because we clearly understand the direction we are heading.”
Cardoso will look to get his side back to winning ways when they play against a tough Stellenbosch FC side at Athlone Stadium on Saturday.
