Cardoso Speaks On Expectations And Performance
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has acknowledged that the Brazilians’ performance is never deemed enough by fans and critics alike.
Despite leading the league table, Sundowns have faced criticism for not meeting expectations, particularly after a disappointing run in the Carling Knockout and earlier elimination from the MTN8 Cup.
The Brazilians also got a slow start to the league season, which is unlike them. However, Cardoso remains optimistic about the team’s progress, citing the challenges they faced after the FIFA Club World Cup.
“This is very interesting, people always ask when the best is from us, and it seems it is never enough,” Cardoso said.
“I think it’s very interesting to look at that, and I don’t see people shielding anyone else in such a way. What we’re doing is never enough; it seems like there’s a very high standard for us.”
Cardoso believes that the high expectations are a testament to the team’s success and the belief people have in what they’re doing.
“But on the other hand, it’s good, it shows that people believe in what we’re doing as a team,” he stated.
“I think recently we put the standard very high, and then people got expectations, but life is always on hype.”
The former Esperance mentor emphasized that teams go through periods of rebuilding and reorganization, and they had a particularly tough time after the Club World Cup.
“Teams are rebuilt and reorganized, then take steps towards the future, and I think we had a very tough time after the Club World Cup,” he stated.
“If you can look at international teams that were in the Club World Cup, I think you can see that they’re struggling towards this period of the season.”
Cardoso expects the Brazilians to grow in the medium term, rather than immediately.
“I expect the team to grow in the medium term and not exactly after two or three days,” he explained.
“We just had the players who recently joined the club, and some players will not play in some games due to suspensions.”
Despite challenges, Sundowns have made a statement in the CAF Champions League, beating Nigerian giants Remo Stars 5-1 in the first leg of the second preliminary round last weekend.
The Brazilians are also nominated for the CAF Club of the Year Men award, alongside Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch from South Africa.
Regarding the nomination, Cardoso said, “Regarding the positions of the club, for me, myself as a coach, it makes me very happy, and it means that we were able to help the club to keep the standard throughout the season on the continent.”
