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Johannesburg - Mamelodi Sundowns coach Johan Neeskens says his team's penchant for conceding early goals is costing them dearly.
The Dutchman, whose future at Chloorkop looks increasingly uncertain, expressed this view after a 2-0 Premiership defeat to MTN8 champions Moroka Swallows on Sunday.
"I think if you look at our previous two games, we've started well and then we make a mistake. Today was the same thing again," said Neeskens.
"Until they scored that first goal there was no danger. Our midfield was too easily beaten for the first goal."
He continued: "In the second half we were a little unlucky with twice hitting the cross bar (through Eleazar Rodgers and Edward Manqele).
"Our strikers are coming back from injuries and maybe they are missing a little bit of of sharpness.
"But if you don't score and then make these kinds of mistakes then it's always going to be difficult."
Neeskens added that hard work can help reverse the club's ailing fortunes.
"There is pressure on everyone, the players, the club and me. I can handle the pressure. We must just keep working hard and we will come out of it," insisted the 61-year-old.
The Brazilians, hovering uneasily above the drop zone, were undone by first-half strikes from ex-Downs midfielder Lerato Chabangu (7') and Nigerian winger Felix Obada (33') at Dobsonville Stadium.
The Dutchman, whose future at Chloorkop looks increasingly uncertain, expressed this view after a 2-0 Premiership defeat to MTN8 champions Moroka Swallows on Sunday.
"I think if you look at our previous two games, we've started well and then we make a mistake. Today was the same thing again," said Neeskens.
"Until they scored that first goal there was no danger. Our midfield was too easily beaten for the first goal."
He continued: "In the second half we were a little unlucky with twice hitting the cross bar (through Eleazar Rodgers and Edward Manqele).
"Our strikers are coming back from injuries and maybe they are missing a little bit of of sharpness.
"But if you don't score and then make these kinds of mistakes then it's always going to be difficult."
Neeskens added that hard work can help reverse the club's ailing fortunes.
"There is pressure on everyone, the players, the club and me. I can handle the pressure. We must just keep working hard and we will come out of it," insisted the 61-year-old.
The Brazilians, hovering uneasily above the drop zone, were undone by first-half strikes from ex-Downs midfielder Lerato Chabangu (7') and Nigerian winger Felix Obada (33') at Dobsonville Stadium.
