Kaizer Chiefs legend slams Da Cruz’s tactics – ‘We are playing not to lose’

Kaizer Chiefs legend Brain Baloyi is not impressed by the tactical setup of coach Fernando da Cruz whose start at the club has seen mixed fortunes.

Chiefs have won three and drawn as many games in the league while they were knocked out of the MTN8 Cup with the team conceding cheap goals, leading to just one clean sheet in seven matches across all competitions.

Da Cruz has been deploying a three-man defence with two or even three defensive midfielders in the games and this is not a tactic that Baloyi supports as he feels it is stifling the team and preventing players from expressing themselves.

Chiefs legend hits out at Da Cruz’s approach

“I think his lineup speaks to what he said about, ‘I’m not a magician,’” Baloyi said on SoccerBeat.

“Clearly, he doesn’t really believe in his players. He doesn’t really believe in the team that they can challenge for the league.

“For me, starting with three defensive midfielders… yes, the lads did very well getting into scoring positions in the first half, but that’s not the Chiefs way,” the former Chiefs goalkeeper further stated while analysing their game against Polokwane City, which ended 1-1 on Saturday.

Baloyi challenges French coach’s model  

Balaoyi feels Da Cruz has been negative in his approach and doubts the French coach has belief in the squad’s ability to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates for the title.

“Even when you’re playing with two defensive midfielders, it’s still not good for a Chiefs team,” he added.

“But to go out with three, and even in the second half you’re still bringing in another defensive midfielder.

“These things say something to the players silently, indirectly, it looks like we are playing not to lose. We’re not playing to win.”