Pirates must up their game against Chiefs - Jonevret

Kjell Jonevret says Orlando Pirates defended well in his first game in charge. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Kjell Jonevret says Orlando Pirates defended well in his first game in charge. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Published Feb 27, 2017

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JOHANNESBURG - Orlando Pirates’ new coach, Kjell Jonevret, pictured, says he was impressed with how his side played against Polokwane City in their 1-1 draw on Saturday.

However, the Swedish-born gaffer stressed that the Sea Robbers need to be more fluid in attack if they are to cause of problems for Kaizer

Chiefs during this weekend’s Soweto Derby.

Amakhosi go into Saturday’s fixture having enjoyed a string of good results, which sees them third in the PSL standings with 34 points from their 19 league matches. Pirates, on the other hand, have been struggling to produce the same type of results as their counterparts, and are in the bottom half of the table with 21 points from 18 league outings.

Their poor run of form has been a result of lacklustre defending, which has seen the club concede the third most goals in the Absa Premiership this season. Jonevret admitted that this was the first matter he had to address when he took over at the club last week.

“When I arrived here I spoke to the players and they told me that they weren’t happy with how they have defended so far this season,” Jonevret said. “And that’s what we started with in our first two training sessions we’ve had together.

“I must say that I’m happy with how we defended in that match (against Polokwane). We had good control of the game in both periods, but made one silly mistake which cost us a goal. However, that’s football for you. I always feel pity for players who commit such mistakes at the back. We’ll have to move on from it.”

Jonevret added that he would have loved to see his side come out with a win, as a draw wasn’t a result he had hoped for against Rise and Shine leading up to the derby.

“I’m not satisfied with that draw,” Jonevret, who has not yet had time to fully implement his philosophy into his new team, said. “It’s different when a team fights till the last minute to score an equaliser, like Pirates did when they played to a 2-2 draw Cape Town City, than just drawing. 

"I love to win. But to add to that, I thought our defence was okay. However, we need more fluidity in our attacking third.

“I haven’t seen enough of Chiefs,” Jonevret revealed when asked how he was planning to prepare for this weekend’s match.

“I’ve watched a few of their matches but that’s not enough. Luckily enough; I’m surrounded by a good technical team who will help me with the analysis for that game. We have the whole week to prepare for it.”

The Star

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