TS Galaxy coach Adnan Beganovic says that although he expected Mamelodi Sundowns to make changes for their Nedbank Cup Last 16 clash, he did not expect Miguel Cardoso to rotate 10 players.
Masandwana were eliminated after a 2-0 loss by the Rockets at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in Mpumalanga on Saturday afternoon.
Coming into the match, Sundowns made 10 changes from the side that won 2-1 against Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on Wednesday. A move that was seen as resting some of the players due to the demanding schedule.
WHY TS GALAXY HEAD COACH WAS SURPRISED WITH MAMELODI SUNDOWNS CHANGES
Speaking after the match, Beganovic admitted that he anticipated at least five changes; however, he was delighted that it also worked in their favour.
“I expected at least five changes. But then I saw before the game nine, I think 10 with the keeper,” he said.
“Only one player with game time experience was number 10 [Nuno] Santos. I was so surprised because I know that even if it’s a high level of quality players. We don’t need to talk about that, but all the players of Sundowns are high-quality players.”
ADNAN BEGANOVIC EXPLAINS WHY HE ALSO CHANGED THEIR APPROACH
“But it’s not the same to put the 10 players at the same time to play. And also, I was so happy when I saw [Ronwen] Williams not in the goals. It’s not the same to defend when he is in the goals and when he plays. Without him, it can be key to why we played so well upfront and why we can press in the last line because the keeper is not good with the legs like Williams.
“But also when I saw the line-up, I decided to move to the middle block and to high press sometimes because I know we can even bring that ball close to the box. But I watched their last two games, and I saw the 10 minutes before the end, so many players complaining about cramps and injuries, and I expected to see some changes, but not nine. Because it gave us more opportunities to press more and to have more possession.”
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