Bernard Parker finds positives as TS Galaxy suffer late collapse against Mamelodi Sundowns

TS Galaxy coach Bernard Parker has chosen to focus on the positives after his side suffered a painful 3-2 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in their Betway Premiership clash at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday.

The Rockets appeared on course for a memorable victory after Victor Letsoalo struck twice to put them ahead, but a late collapse allowed Sphelele Mkhulise to score twice and complete a dramatic comeback for the defending champions.

Although Parker acknowledged that Galaxy could have managed the closing stages better, he believes the performance offered plenty of encouragement against a side he considers the best team on the continent.

“We take a lot of positives from this game. We played against the number one team in Africa, and we managed to go pound for pound with them. There were times where we sat back and invited pressure, and there were times where we pressed them high and forced errors and got chances as well,” Parker told the media during the post-match press conference.

Parker praises Galaxy’s resilience

The former South Africa international was particularly encouraged by the intensity and aggression shown by his players, while stressing the need for greater consistency across 90 minutes.

“The resilience, intensity and aggression that we have, I take out from the game. We’ve got a concept, and it is for us to make sure that when we play, we do it in what will make us look better and have those types of spells for a longer period in the game for us to win.”

Despite their promising attacking display, defensive frailties remain a concern for Galaxy after conceding five goals in their opening two matches of the campaign.

Wide areas remain a concern

Parker believes the team must urgently address its defending against attacks from wide areas, where he says most of their problems have originated.

“We’ve been working on it in terms of our defence principles, how we want to guard against the crosses, the wide entries — that’s where we concede mostly,” he said.

“Central, we are solid; it is just in wide entries where we concede a lot, and according to my analyses and my research, 67% of the goals in the PSL are scored from wide entries where there are crosses, cutbacks and players who come from wide entries.”

Parker added that Galaxy’s ability to find the net means improving their defensive organisation could quickly translate into better results.

“It seems like we need to work more on that because we do get a goal, no matter what, we will get a goal or more, whether it is open play or set play.”

He also called for stronger communication and leadership within the defensive unit as the season progresses.

“We just need to have better communication and take more leadership in terms of seeing early. I think we will do better in our defending, but it is also a good thing identifying these things early in the season because we want to improve as we approach games.”

Galaxy will look to respond to the defeat when they face Golden Arrows at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Sunday, August 16.