Riveiro raises concern on one area ahead of Stade d’Abidjan tie
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has underlined the one area that needs serious attention ahead of their crunch tie against Stade d’Abidjan.
The Buccaneers are scheduled to host the Ivory Coast giants at Orlando Stadium in a CAF Champions League group phase match.
This one is slated at 18h00. Orlando are brimming with confidence that they will secure their first home win at this stage.
Jose Riveiro and his men were flawless in 2024 and intend to keep the momentum in all competitions this year.
A win will lift the Orlando Pirates to eight points, boosting their chances of advancing to the knockout stages.
Last time out, in Ivory Coast, the Spaniard was not fully impressed with the display of his players after being held to a 1-1 draw.
Evidence Makgopa scored from a penalty before the Soweto giants conceded via a set-piece, with Ousmane Meita on target.
COACH JOSE RIVEIRO WORRIED ABOUT HOW HIS MEN DEAL WITH DEAD BALL SITUATIONS
As a result, Riveiro is concerned with how his men deal with dead ball situations. This is an area he feels Stade d’Abidjan are mostly deadly.
“We are a good team but inexperienced in this competition, not only the players but the coaches. Its a new space for us.
“We are competing in a very good level and it is a good platform for our youngsters, especially when playing teams like Abidjan. We need to be aware of how to compete in these kind of matches.
“How we must reduce possibilities in some specific scenarios. For example how they dealt with us on set-pieces in the first leg in Ivory Coast.
“We were punished in those situations, they used their chance. There are tricky things like blockers in the set pieces. Hopefully we can do a better job in those scenarios.
“We must learn to reduce the areas where the opponents can be better than us. These kind of games will always be decided by small margins and small details,” he said.
After the Ivory Coast giants, they will host CR Belouizdad before making a trip to Cairo to play Al Ahly.
In truth, six points at home will surely seal their place in the next phase of the annual competition.
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