South Africa coach Hugo Broos has strongly defended his tactical approach ahead of Thursday's must-win World Cup Group A match against Czechia in Atlanta.
The veteran Belgian manager faced heavy criticism after Bafana Bafana lost 2-0 to Mexico in their opener, finishing with nine men after two red cards.
Speaking at a pre-match news conference, Broos dismissed the backlash, emphasizing his four decades of coaching experience.
"I've been a coach for 40 years, and I know it's a part of the job that you will be criticised.
So for the moment, I'm criticised, but people have to know… and for those who still don't know it… I do it my way," Broos said.
He also brushed aside social media commentary and external critics.
"I never listen to the trash of the social media. I never listen to people who feel they are important enough to criticise the team.
When I look back at what they achieved before, I think it should be better that they shut up," Broos added.
The coach insisted the squad understands the errors made against Mexico.
"I know what went wrong against Mexico.
The players know it, and that's the most important thing, and for the rest, I will do it my way," Broos said.
Both South Africa and Czechia lost their opening Group A fixtures, making Thursday's encounter a potential elimination decider.
"I think our situation is clear. If we don't win tomorrow, we play our last game against South Korea for nothing," Broos said.
Broos also addressed criticism of his post-match comments, explaining his reluctance to blame players publicly.
"This is something we must avoid.
We know the mistakes we made in the first game, and some people said the coach is too soft on his players, but I don't like to blame my players in front of a camera.
So, sometimes you have to lie a little bit as a coach," he said.
He hinted at a more possession-oriented approach against Czechia.
"We know what went wrong in the game against Mexico, and we will try to improve that tomorrow, but we can only improve that if we have the ball," Broos said.
Players Back the Coach
Winger Thapelo Maseko echoed the need for resilience, recalling the team's recovery from an opening loss at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
"Something that I've picked up is that South Africans are happy when you win, but when you lose, you are the worst.
That is a fact," Maseko said.
He expressed confidence in the squad's ability to bounce back.
"We have big players with heart and if there is anyone out there doubting this team, they better think again," Maseko said.
Maseko highlighted the team's bronze medal run in 2023 after losing their first match to Mali.
"We went to Afcon in 2023 and lost the first game.
But we were able to pick ourselves up and came back home with the bronze medal," he said.
He acknowledged the physical demands of facing Czechia and stressed the need for higher intensity.
"One thing we must improve on is the intensity, we need to run extra hard. It is something we spoke about as a team.
We were not happy with the result against Mexico and we want to improve going forward," Maseko said.
He concluded by emphasizing the team's desire to showcase their talent on the global stage.
"It is a big tournament with big teams, but we must go out there and showcase our talents," Maseko said.
Czechia's Perspective
Czech captain Radislav Krejic confirmed his team has thoroughly analyzed South Africa following their own defeat to South Korea.
"As for this game, we know what opponents we're going to face, and we've been preparing all week through video analysis and actual training.
It won't be an easy game.
We are well aware of our strengths and weaknesses and how we operate and what we lacked in our first game," Krejic said.
Krejic dismissed suggestions of excessive pressure, acknowledging the importance of the match.
"Of course, I'm well aware of our situation and I know how important this game is," he said.
He maintained a balanced outlook.
"My perspective is a little different. I don't necessarily see it that way.
We will do our best to win.
I know how important this game is in the process of the rest of the tournament," Krejic said.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers defender highlighted the threat of South African forward Lyle Foster.
"I know well about his skills and I know how outstanding he is," Krejic said.
He noted the need to account for South Africa's collective attacking depth.
"I know there are many other great players, so I won't prepare just for him.
We should be careful not to let several players with excellent skills demonstrate their strengths in offensive situations," Krejic said.
The match will feature American referee Tori Penso, the first American woman to officiate a World Cup match.
"I haven't experienced a female referee, but I don't think it's a problem," Krejic said.
He expressed full confidence in the officiating crew.
"I don't think it matters whether it's a man or a woman. What matters is how well you do.
I hope the referees will see the game successfully," Krejic said.
The Czech captain thanked fans for their support.
"Thank you for the fans' support.
I believe you will receive the support of all the fans here, their families, and people back home.
Trust us. We will do our best to repay the support through our performance," Krejic said.
