‘Coaches are human beings’: Cardoso opens up on Sundowns pressure

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has made an emotional plea for perspective, reminding critics that coaches are “human beings” as the heat turns up at Chloorkop.

The Portuguese tactician has endured a whirlwind few weeks. The Masandawana faithful recently voiced their frustrations following a 2-2 CAF Champions League draw against Al Hilal, only to see Cardoso celebrate wildly after a last-gasp win over Sekhukhune United.

However, the mood soured again on Friday following a disappointing 2-1 away defeat to Al Hilal in Rwanda.

‘TIME TO FINISH IT’ – SUNDOWNS COACH

Speaking ahead of Sundowns’ Nedbank Cup clash against Gomora United, a visibly uncomfortable Cardoso was initially hesitant to discuss the mounting pressure and the fans’ reaction.

“I have been talking about this in the past three or four press conferences. I think it’s time to finish it,” Cardoso told the media on Monday. “There is a moment when it touches too much on things that do not smell bad, and it can spread the smell.”

EMOTIONS OVER TACTICS

Despite his reluctance, the Sundowns mentor eventually opened up about the emotional toll of the job, defending his right to celebrate the highs with his squad.

“The only comment that I’m going to have on this situation is to do with the fact that coaches also have emotions. Coaches are also human beings,” he added.

“When coaches want to celebrate something, it’s because they feel that it’s really important to do it… It has to do with the moment, the will to celebrate the achievement of my players.”

Cardoso is urging the Yellow Nation to shift their focus away from his personal situation and onto the pitch. The Brazilians are set to face Gomora United in the Round of 16 at Loftus Versfeld this Wednesday.

With the “Pitso Mosimane” chants still echoing in recent memories, Cardoso knows that anything less than a convincing win against the minnows could reignite the fire under his seat.