Maritzburg United coach Fadlu Davids says he is hell-bent on deploying the playing style of Spanish club FC Barcelona with a squad to that of English side Stoke City.
“The project is really exciting, with all these young players coming through. Of course every coach wants to bring an attacking style and play expansive football. But the players determine that. You can’t have a squad like Stoke City and want to be playing like Barcelona,” Davids told The Sowetan.
Davids worked under two coaches last season in Ernst Middendorp and Roger De Sa as the assistant coach.
“Fortunately for us, we have a lot of dynamic players, a lot of pace, a lot of penetration and dribbling skills," he said.
“It’s my job to be able to get them to showcase that talent. To create structures so that they can be able to showcase that high intensity, fast-paced vertical game," he continued.
“And put them in positions where they can showcase their one-versus-one skills, to showcase this quick attack- what we have been known for. Fortunately for me we will continue playing that attractive game and hopefully we contest as we did last season,” Davids added.
The 36-year-old becomes the youngest coach in the PSL and targets a top-five finish and Cup final spot after leading the team to seventh spot last season.
“It’s an honour and privilege, to finally be handed this title as head coach. I’d like to thank the chairman for the trust,” Davids said.
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