How Rulani responded when asked why they don’t play beautiful football in the CAF CL
Rulani’s Response to Playing ‘Ugly Football’ in the CAF Champions League
After securing a crucial 1-0 away win against Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League, Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena responded to questions about the team’s playing style, drawing comparisons to Manchester City and Arsenal.
Tactical Mastery Over Beautiful Football
Mokwena explained his team’s tactical approach by saying, “We are football romantics; we love football, but we also understand that in the game of football, you have to answer what the game asks of you.“ The coach emphasized the need to adapt to the demands of each match, demonstrating a versatility that has been crucial to Sundowns’ success.
Strategic Response to Questions Posed
Addressing the question of whether Sundowns are sacrificing the “beautiful side of their football,” Mokwena stated, “If the game asks you to counterattack, you’ve got to counterattack; we don’t play for that. If the game asks you to suffer and absorb, we have to suffer and absorb pressure, but we don’t play for that.“ He emphasized the team’s commitment to responding strategically to the challenges presented during matches.
Modern Game Approach
Mokwena pointed out the realities of the modern game, citing examples from top European clubs: “If you look at the modern game, the best teams in the world… what makes Manchester City a difficult team to beat, because they work very, very hard when they don’t have the ball? What makes Arsenal at the moment probably the best team in the English Premier League is that they work very, very hard when they don’t have the ball.“ The coach highlighted the importance of hard work, adaptability, and answering the specific demands of each game.
CAF Champions League (Group A) Table after Four Games
Adapting to Win
In conclusion, Mokwena summed up the essence of football strategy: “And that’s where the modern game is—answer the questions that the game asks you. If the game asks you to win from set pieces, you have to win on set pieces; that’s what football is.” Sundowns’ ability to adapt and answer the questions posed by different games has been a key factor in their success, both in the CAF Champions League and domestically.
Sundowns will now shift their focus to the DStv Premiership, carrying the momentum from their continental success into upcoming league encounters before resuming Champions League action in February.
