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Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has downplayed their struggles over the last three matches, preferring to focus on the positives despite failing to win.
Following their one-all draw against Marumo Gallants in a Betway Premiership match played at the FNB Stadium last night, Amakhosi have for the first time this season, gone three matches without a win.
They took the lead in this game through debutant Khanyisa Mayo, but there was also missed a penalty on the stroke of halftime. Ben Youssef says improved performances are notable.
"I know that we have not won in the last three games, but the most important thing for us is the performance, rather than the result.
"The team performed well today, and we were unlucky not to score more goals to win this game."
Ben Youssef also defended how they set up for this game, as they employed a 3-4-3 system, operating with a back three and two wing backs. This weakened the effectiveness of the attack, but the Tunisian-born tactician explains the idea behind this structure.
"We played in a 3-4-3 today with a high block to press Gallants higher because they are playing a game with short passes this season, without as much long balls."
There’s not enough time for Chiefs to mull over these dropped points as they have a bigger battle ahead of them on Saturday, as they will be trying to reverse the one-nil defeat from the CAF Confederation Cup first round preliminary first leg match against Angolan side Kabuscorp at home. Ben Youssef says they must switch their focus now.
"We are now thinking about the next game, and we will talk about the plan for that match on Thursday with the players.
"It is a very important game on Saturday, and we are ready to qualify for the next round."
After having signed from Algerian giants CR Belouizdad, Bafana Bafana striker Mayo made his debut for Amakhosi and contributed with a goal. He had a positive contribution in the 59 minutes that he played, including a pass completion rate of 75%.
Ben Youssef was happy with the 27-year-old’s showing.
With Mamelodi Sundowns losing 1-0 to Golden Arrows and log leaders Sekhukhune United held to a one-all draw by lowly placed Chippa United, it was a missed opportunity by Chiefs not to close the gap with the top two.
They remain six points behind Sekhukhune with a game in hand, and four points behind Sundowns with two games in hand. Ben Youssef says they will continue to try and close this gap…
