Palacios admits to calling Mhlongo before Highlands match

Cape Town - Orlando Pirates caretaker coach Augusto Palacios says he moved quickly to restore the confidence of goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo after the humiliating 6-1 loss against SuperSport United.

The Buccaneers were handed their worst defeat in the PSL-era which resulted in the resignation of Muhsin Ertugral as coach.

Palacios was appointed on an interim basis before the 2-1 victory over Highlands Park last week.

"Before this (Highlands Park game), I sent Brighton a message, and I called him the next day. I told him it happens in football," Palacios told the Citizen.

"Barcelona scored 4-0 against Manchester City, and after that Manchester beat Barcelona. When it came to the line-up, there were no doubts for me to put Brighton, because if I don't put him I kill him completely.

"He had a special training, we spoke in my room. We talked about the past, I reminded him about all the games he did and how he saved Pirates in so many games.

"And I told him that he is still number one, he does not need to worry. He just needs to correct what he needs to correct."