COACH ERNST CALLS FOR BETTER GAME MANAGEMENT
31 January 2021
Maritzburg United head coach Ernst Middendorp emphasised the need for his men to better manage matches throughout the full 90 minutes.
The German was commenting after United’s 2-1 defeat to Golden Arrows in a KwaZulu-Natal derby at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Saturday.
Maritzburg were on top for the first stanza of the DStv Premiership encounter and had been 1-0 up through a 36th minute Thabiso Kutumela goal, only for Arrows to score twice in the second half.
While disappointed with the result, the Team of Choice tactician did see some positives in the derby.
“Currently we have the ability to play 70 percent of the intensity of the game. We have seen an excellent first half, totally dominant,” coach Ernst said.
“In the end of course we have not been able to go through for the 90 minutes and this is our problem in the moment. Week by week, day by day, we have to work on it and make it happen that we are able to manage further minutes into the second half, to manage leading.
“The majority of the game was good and we showed what we can do. And now we have to work on it to do better to win this game.”
The Team of Choice hit the woodwork twice in the match and also had a late appeal for a handball turned down. Middendorp though wasn’t looking for excuses but rather how his side can do better next time.
“It happens. I prefer to be busy with ourselves, our own opportunities to manage the game, to handle the game for a longer period, not only 70 percent of the game,” he said. “That is what we have to work out. To make sure we are not coming under pressure if the 65 or 70 minutes are going.”
United now get ready for their next match – a last 32 Nedbank Cup clash with Sekhukhune United FC at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday evening.
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