Palacios back to whence he came

ORLANDO Pirates are set to announce a new coach this week and Augusto Palacios has already urged the players to support the new man, whoever he may be.

Palacios, who has been holding the fort in a caretaker capacity since November last year, will probably feel he can quietly move into the background after Pirates showed great improvement and put up a good fight in a 2-2 draw with Cape Town City at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday night.

“My advice is for the new coach to understand the players, and for the players to understand the coach,” said the 65-year-old Peruvian. “Pirates are a big club and, from the very first time the coach arrives, there’s pressure.”

He revealed he would continue to serve the club he loves in whatever capacity he is needed – and, if the new coach needs advice and assistance, he is available.

“There is pressure, there is stress,” said Palacios. “Football is an emotional game … I’ve been at Pirates for almost 23 years and when the coach quit and I was asked to step in, I help. Nobody likes to lose, but my feelings for the club and chairman are important.”

As for the draw against City on Saturday, Palacios was more than happy with the manner in which the Pirates players responded after a difficult week.

“The team showed character,” he said. “We were in control in the first half, but City are a strong side. I believe this game is the turning point for Pirates.”

He also elaborated on some of his selection decisions, especially why he had left leading scorer Tendai Ndoro on the bench.

“In football, sometimes you will have (Diego) Costa on the bench, (Luis) Suarez on the bench, that’s how it is. Ndoro has not scored in the last few games … City are an aggressive, physical team and I made changes according to the game.

“(Thamsanqa) Gabuza was a better option because he is more aggressive, and I think he did a good job.”