Orlando Pirates Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou Calls for Defensive Improvement After Al Ittihad Defeat

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has identified defensive improvement as one of his team’s biggest priorities following their pre-season defeat to Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad in Spain. Although the Buccaneers have shown encouraging signs in possession and attack during their European training camp, the Moroccan tactician believes the team must rediscover the defensive strength that played a key role in their success last season. Pirates suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat against Al Ittihad in an entertaining club friendly, but Ouaddou insisted the final score did not accurately reflect his side’s overall performance. His comments underline the importance of balancing attacking creativity with defensive discipline as the club prepares for the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign. With the new season fast approaching, the coach is focused on ensuring his players are ready to compete at the highest level.

The friendly against Al Ittihad represented one of Orlando Pirates’ toughest tests during their pre-season tour in Spain. Facing a team packed with experienced international players, the Buccaneers demonstrated confidence in possession and produced several promising attacking passages throughout the match. Despite creating numerous opportunities, Pirates ultimately fell short as defensive mistakes proved costly. The defeat was their first of the pre-season campaign, but Ouaddou viewed the performance more positively than the final result suggested. Rather than focusing solely on the scoreboard, he chose to evaluate the team’s tactical execution, movement and overall progress.

Reflecting on the match, Ouaddou explained that he did not believe the result accurately represented the quality of football his team produced. The Pirates coach praised the performances of both groups of players who featured during the match, as he continued rotating the squad to assess different combinations. According to the coach, every player received an opportunity to contribute while the technical team gathered valuable information ahead of the new campaign. Pre-season friendlies often prioritize player development, tactical experimentation and physical conditioning over results. Ouaddou’s comments suggest he remains encouraged by the broader progress his squad is making despite suffering defeat.

One of the biggest positives for Orlando Pirates during the European tour has been their ability to control possession and create attacking opportunities. Against Al Ittihad, the Buccaneers regularly progressed the ball into dangerous areas through intelligent passing and coordinated movement. The attacking combinations in the final third reflected the work being done on the training ground, with several players showing strong understanding and creativity. Ouaddou expressed satisfaction with the team’s ability to dominate possession and dictate phases of play against quality opposition. These improvements indicate that Pirates are developing an attacking style capable of troubling some of the strongest teams they will face this season.

The coach specifically praised his players for their movement in advanced areas and their willingness to implement the tactical approach introduced by the coaching staff. Throughout the match, Pirates produced several well-worked attacks and demonstrated confidence when building from the back. Their ability to maintain possession under pressure and create scoring opportunities was one of the standout features of the performance. While the final score was disappointing, the attacking display offered encouraging signs that the team is progressing in the right direction. Such performances provide a solid platform as the squad continues preparing for competitive football.

Despite the positives going forward, Ouaddou has made it clear that defensive improvement remains his primary concern. Orlando Pirates have conceded at least one goal in every pre-season match during their European tour, a trend that contrasts sharply with the defensive solidity they displayed during the previous campaign. The coach believes the team has temporarily lost some of the defensive resilience that made them difficult to break down. He stressed that regaining that strength is now one of the most important objectives before the season begins. Defensive organization, concentration and communication will likely receive increased attention during the remaining training sessions.

Ouaddou emphasized that last season’s success was built on a strong defensive foundation, making the recent goals conceded particularly disappointing. He acknowledged that every team experiences periods where adjustments are required, especially during pre-season when players are adapting to new tactical systems and building match fitness. However, he insisted that the current defensive record cannot continue if Pirates hope to compete for trophies across multiple competitions. The coaching staff will now focus on correcting positioning, improving defensive transitions and reducing individual mistakes. Strengthening these areas will help create a more balanced team capable of matching its attacking quality.

As Orlando Pirates continue their preparations in Spain, the remaining friendly matches will provide valuable opportunities to implement the lessons learned from the Al Ittihad encounter. Physical conditioning appears to be progressing well, with players gradually reaching the intensity levels required for the demands of a long season. At the same time, the coaching staff will continue refining tactical details and evaluating different player combinations. The encouraging attacking performances have given supporters reasons for optimism, but Ouaddou remains determined to ensure defensive stability returns before competitive fixtures begin. His clear message is that attractive attacking football must always be supported by a disciplined defensive structure.

The Buccaneers enter the final phase of their pre-season preparations knowing that improvements at the back could make a significant difference once the campaign begins. Abdeslam Ouaddou has been encouraged by his team’s creativity, possession play and attacking movement, but he recognizes that success over an entire season depends on consistency in every area of the pitch. The lessons from the defeat to Al Ittihad will help shape the team’s preparations as they continue working toward peak performance. If Orlando Pirates can combine their impressive attacking play with the defensive resilience that defined last season, they will be well positioned to challenge for major honours once again. The coach’s honest assessment reflects a commitment to continuous improvement as the Buccaneers prepare for another demanding season in South African football.