As a professional coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou expects discipline on the pitch above all else, as he is at his happiest when his players stick to their instructions and play effective, smart football.
Orlando Pirates narrowed the gap behind Betway Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns to four points with a 2-0 victory over Durban City at Orlando Stadium on Thursday night, before turning their attention to Sunday's fixture against Marumo Gallants.
Ouaddou was mostly pleased with the performance of his players in the second half rather than just the result. He relished that they produced a constructive and professional performance after lamenting their showboating antics in the 3-1 win over their previous opponents in the CAF Champions League group stage qualifiers.
His criticism of his young players was not widely supported. Some felt that he was too harsh and did not seem committed to the project, as he has now regularly threatened that he would resign from the club if his players failed to improve their attitudes.
Addressing the media after beating City, Ouaddou explained that his recent utterances regarding his players have been taken out of context. As justification he used the impressive performance of Simphiwe Masilela on the night as an example of what he wants from his young attacking unit.
“We have a young team, and there are pros and cons,” Ouaddou said. “When you are young and have the freshness to repeat efforts, it’s what I like.
“If you saw Masilela, I was happy. I am not asking for myself. This is the football that I like. This is the high level. I push him to be efficient like that and play pure football. He must leave other things aside. I am happy!”
Acknowledging that mistakes are part and parcel of the game, Ouaddou emphasised that it is crucial for players to take accountability, as that is the only way they will grow and learn.
“My job as the coach is to improve players – young players – to play this kind of football,” Ouaddou continued. “Yes, they can commit mistakes. If you are playing higher up as a midfielder or striker, then it’s fine. But if you are a defender, then there’s only the goalkeeper to help.
“Sometimes, we have to accelerate development. Personally, the way I was developed is how I develop them. It’s how I pushed Lebone Seema last season.
“If, psychologically, you are ready to accept when the coach is a little bit hard on you, you are going to improve. But if you are weak psychologically because the coach is hard on you, then you won’t go far.”
Having spent the better part of his career abroad, Ouaddou added that it is his wish for his troops to reach the same level or, better yet, continue helping Pirates reach lofty heights.
“I am not shouting at my players because I want to kill them; I want them to be the best, keep winning titles with Pirates, and maybe sign with clubs in Europe. If I see them playing well, I am the happiest coach. Today, I was happy with the young players,” Ouaddou said.
“If you see me coming here wearing a clown uniform, know that something is wrong. I am training and training. I want and am happy to train highly professional players. Today, I had professionals.”
With that performance under their belt, Ouaddou and his charges will demand a similar level of discipline and focus when they take on Marumo Gallants on Sunday (kick-off 3pm). | IOL Sport