Cardiff City coach shares his opinion on Mamelodi Sundowns after pre-season friendly

Published on by Nkosiyabuya Sithole, updated on

Cardiff City head coach Erik Bulut has had his say on Mamelodi Sundowns after the two sides played in the pre-season friendly in Austria on Tuesday.

The two sides played out to a 1-1 draw with Joel Colwill scoring for the EFL Championship side while Tashreeq Matthews got on the scoresheet for the SA league champions.

Bulut says he was left surprised by the impressive showing by the Brazilians, particularly in the second half.

He believes his side didn’t do well enough in their preparations for the match.

BULUT HAS HIS SAY ON SUNDOWNS

“It was intensive, high speed,” said Bulut as quoted by Cardiff City’s website. “In the second half. I didn't expect the opponent to be like they were, they have good speed. 

“We didn’t do our work as well as we should do. We were travelling and then played the game, maybe that affected our game a little bit.

“I was expecting us to be more aggressive, creating chances and to have a few more goals, but sometimes, games are like that.

“The opponent was also good, they were pressing high and we saw many youngsters and how they react to playing in these kind of games. In the end, it was 1-1 and we can learn from this.”

Bulut added that it was a tough test for some of their youngsters who featured in the match. He believes they grasped some lessons as they head to their next friendly against Hertha Berlin.

“For the youngsters, it was a difficult test. Some of them played with us last year, but some of them are new to the experiences in these kinds of games, so there are positive things that we take with us. The things that were not so good, we can analyse for the next games. 

“The physical test was good because it was really hot, the tempo was high. With our physical condition, I am satisfied. Sometimes, against these kinds of teams, who press high, we have to keep the ball better, but it is pre-season and we can learn from this.”

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Nkosiyabuya Sithole

Nkosiyabuya Sithole, a young and rising sports journalist based in Durban, South Africa, harbors a deep passion for football. Nevertheless, he aspires to become a well-rounded journalist, adept in various areas of the field.

Nkosi's career began in 2020, working as a home-based writer during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has since written for various websites, including Briefly News, FiND-iT News, and The South African. Attending live sporting events is a particular pleasure for him, as they provide opportunities for interaction with sports personalities.

Outside of the office, he's a God-fearing and affable young man.