Eric Tinkler demands defensive improvement after Durban City win

Durban City head coach Eric Tinkler says his side must urgently improve defensively despite opening their CAF Confederation Cup second-round tie with a 3-1 victory over Port Louis.

The Citizens took control of the first leg against the Mauritius outfit at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday, securing their first win under Tinkler.

The result came in the coach’s second match in charge. Tinkler’s tenure began with a defeat by AmaZulu in his first Betway Premiership match last week.

Although encouraged by Durban City’s attacking progress, Tinkler was troubled by the goals his team conceded against AmaZulu and Port Louis.

“Where the concern lies for me right now, is how we conceded the goals against AmaZulu and how we conceded the goal today [Sunday],” said Tinkler.

The coach said his focus would now shift towards strengthening the team’s defensive structure before the second leg.

“You know, and so, as a coach now, as much as I was working offensive play, now I’m having to come and worry about the defensive side of the game, that we have to get better at,” he added.

Tinkler identified the need to improve Durban City’s organisation when opponents attempt to counterattack, as well as their positioning immediately after losing possession.

“Our defensive organisation, teams that look to play on the counterattack, our rest defence, are we set up to ensure that we don’t get caught on the counter,” he said.

The coach said those aspects would be addressed over the next couple of days before the team travels to Mauritius for the return fixture.

“So, these are other elements now that I have to, I’m going to have to introduce obviously now, over the next couple of days, prior to the trip there, because again, we want to keep a clean sheet there but we definitely want to go score, because if we score then, it makes it way more difficult for them,” said Tinkler.

Despite his concerns, Tinkler wants Durban City to approach the second leg positively, with the aim of protecting their advantage while adding to their goals tally.

“So, we want to go there with a positive mindset, all the same, but defensively, we have to be solid.”