German coach Ernst Middendorp has revealed what he demands from his players at DStv Premiership side Swallows.
Middendorp was appointed Swallows coach last December, and he has already taken charge of three league matches.
In his first two games at the helm, Middendorp suffered back-to-back defeats at the hands of Richards Bay and Sundowns before registering his maiden win against Chippa United at home.
The coach believes the intensity and commitment shown by his troops in the 2-0 victory over Chippa was great.
And Middendorp has asked his men to display the same intensity in their remaining 15 league games to avoid the axe.
“Everybody has value at Swallows,” said Middendorp, who is regarded as one-dimensional as he relies heavily on free-kicks and dead-ball situations to score goals.
WHAT ERNST MIDDENDORP LIKES…
“I like the versatility, the switching, the forward passing, I like skipping the lines, that’s very crucial otherwise, we go into the danger moment when the opponent’s defence is already organised, and the gaps are not there,” he said.
“The players have to communicate. I’m not here to accommodate a player or the team. It is important that we have a certain understanding of what I’m asking for, the intensity in training sessions, and the aggressiveness during the week to be well prepared for the weekend.
“Certain staff to do where I think our resources will allow us; sorry, we are not Barcelona where we are passing out of our own box; at this moment, we have a clear understanding,” added the former Kaizer Chiefs mentor.
Swallows are currently in 14th place on the log standings with 16 points, two adrift of the relegation zone.
They will return to action on Sunday afternoon when they host TS Galaxy at Dobsonville Stadium.
Middendorp is tasked with ensuring that the Soweto side finishes the season in a respectable position after narrowly surviving relegation last campaign in the playoffs.
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