Milutin Sredojevic: Orlando Pirates are not looking to defend against Esperance

Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic expects an emotional game as they travel to Tunisia to face Esperance de Tunis in the Caf Champions League.

The Serbian boss says their mission is to go on the attack on Tuesday afternoon and be able to reach the quarter-finals of the continental showpiece.

“This match in Tunisia takes so many emotions. We will squeeze them like lemons. We don’t have time to defend there,” Sredojevic said to the media.

In addition, Pirates failed to secure a win in their third Group A match at home to the North Africans last week, but the coach remains optimistic of a win.

The two giants will play the match behind closed doors as the hosts’ fans were banned from attending matches at home.

“We will attack from the onset because our ultimate goal is to reach the quarter-final. It’s important to stay in the top two,” he added.

Despite their goalless draw at Orlando Stadium, the Buccaneers remain favourites to reach the next stage as they sit at the top of the group with five points from three games.

A look at their campaign so far, the 1995 African champions are yet to suffer a defeat and will hope to keep their defensive record intact where they have kept three clean sheets thus far.

Coming back to their Premier Soccer League (PSL) campaign, Pirates were held to a 1-1 draw by rivals Kaizer Chiefs last Saturday and that has somewhat dented their PSL title hopes, but the Serbian says they will bounce back.

Sredojevic insists they are not worried after playing a draw to Baroka FC and Amakhosi in the league, but says they will take their remaining 11 games as cup finals.

“I’m not worried with the drawn matches. We will treat our remaining 11 league matches like cup finals,” he concluded.

Pirates now sit third on the PSL log table with 33 points and have played 19 matches, they trail log leaders Bidvest Wits by four points after the Clever Boys were beaten by Highlands Park last weekend.