Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz has pushed back against criticism of his use of a five-man defence in some matches this season. He insists the shape does not change the way his side wants to attack.
Chiefs have played a back five in several fixtures since the Frenchman’s return to Naturena. That has drawn questions from supporters and pundits about whether the approach is too cautious for a club that wants to dominate games. Da Cruz says the system is a response to circumstances, not a change of philosophy.
“There’s two things, sometimes related to availability, sometimes related to the opponent, back four, back five doesn’t impact our offensive game model, that’s the most important we want to keep our offensive ideas and principles in our game model,” he said.
Injury Enforced
Availability has been a real problem. Da Cruz revealed that five players capable of playing left-back were sidelined by injury just three games into the new Betway Premiership season.
The coach abandoned his usual four-man defensive structure for a five-man backline, with Pule Mmodi operating as an emergency left wing-back in the 1-1 draw with Sundowns.
Da Cruz has since praised Mmodi’s adaptability. The 33-year-old has fitted into the back-five system and started three successive matches. Da Cruz has described the winger as a good option when Chiefs play with five at the back.
Hybrid Approach
This is not the first time Da Cruz has addressed the question. He has said he wants a hybrid team, that the shape will depend on different parameters, and that Chiefs will not play a back five all season. His latest comments fit that position. The back line can change from match to match, but the principles in possession are meant to stay constant.
The coach has also said the game model is a work in progress. After the opening win over Kruger United, he said the team was still in the process of implementing it, and that the players enjoy it and are working hard to understand it.
Pressure Building
The tactical debate comes as results have tightened the spotlight. Chiefs’ winless run reached five matches in all competitions, before the win over TS Galaxy but that was followed by defeat in the Soweto Derby and sections of the club’s fans have called for management to dismiss Da Cruz. Sporting director Kaizer Motaung Junior has said the club remains fully behind the head coach despite the pressure that followed the CAF Confederation Cup exit.
For Da Cruz, the answer to his critics is that formation is only part of the picture. Whether Chiefs play with four or five at the back, he wants the same attacking ideas on the pitch. The coming fixtures will show whether his players can deliver that, and whether the results will give him the time he needs.