Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has given his view on the differences between coaches in Europe and in the PSL as he is about to put his debut season in the DStv Premiership behind him.
Riveiro arrived at Pirates as an unknown at the beginning of the season, having last coached in Finland for Inter Turku and his appointment at the Soweto giants was his first project in Africa.
The Spanish tactician has exceeded expectations in his first season after winning the MTN8 and has led Pirates to the Nedbank Cup final after they knocked out arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the semi-finals.
Read: Pirates Coach Ready For 'Long Trips' In Africa
Ahead of the Buccaneers' penultimate league game against Sekhukhune United over the weekend, Riveiro was asked what has he noticed that is different about coaches in the PSL compared to coaches in Europe.
"There's a big difference to be honest, there were games that were really tactical and games that were not tactical at all," Riveiro said in a press conference.
"The main difference that I noticed is there's always moments in the game that is very difficult to control the game from the coaches' perspective.
"It could be that for spectators it's more fun because there's chances very quick, side to side. Me, personally as a coach sometimes I suffer a bit in those moments," he said.
Are you enjoying our new online stadium? SNL24.com is Soccer Laduma's new home. You'll not only get the best soccer news, but you will also be able to comment on articles, view other comments, save articles to read later and much more! SIGN UP for free and explore our new home!
The Spanish mentor continued and explained that although there's a difference in approach between European coaches and tacticians in the PSL, there's definitely "talent" in the benches of the DStv Premiership teams.
"But still because of the quality that we have also those moments are usually good for us in that side to side, when we have the opportunity to punch usually we punish," he said.
"So the way to approach the games is a bit different than in Europe, I'm not gonna lie but there's games that were complicated from a tactical perspective.
"I think that I'm not the one to evaluate my colleagues but there's talent also in the bench in PSL, it's not a discussion," he added.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.