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Rulani: If I answer that, I might be in big trouble

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PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 10: Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena argue with Abdel Mohamed of Pyramids FC during the CAF Champions League match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Pyramids FC at Loftus Versfeld on December 10, 2023 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 10: Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena argue with Abdel Mohamed of Pyramids FC during the CAF Champions League match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Pyramids FC at Loftus Versfeld on December 10, 2023 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has reacted to suggestions that the PSL don't offer the club support in their CAF Champions League endeavours.

Sundowns were knocked out of the CAF Champions League in the semi-finals by Esperance.

Last season, they also exited at the same stage after being bundled out by Wydad Casablanca.

There are question marks on whether the PSL is doing enough to help The Brazilians manage their schedule, especially in knockout matches on the continent, considering that their opposition don't play midweek matches and are generally well-rested.

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Mokwena stressed that travelling, particularly to North Africa, has been the biggest challenge for Sundowns, who have been scheduled for league matches in between CAF Champions League fixtures.

Instead of having a go at the PSL, the 37-year-old tactician decided to use Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp's statement around heavy scheduling of league matches amidst continental matches.

"I don't want to answer that because if I answer it, I might get myself into big trouble. What I will say to you is, I want you to go to Jurgen Klopp's interview a few days ago and Jurgen Klopp speaks about the failure of the English teams not making it into the European semi-finals, both the Champions League and the Europa League," Mokwena told journalists at Danie Craven Stadium after the 2-1 Nedbank Cup semi-finals win over Stellenbosch FC.

"Jurgen Klopp puts it so nicely and I think I would be doing... you know how he ends it? So, well, he says, 'And this is coming from an old man, who's about to leave the game'.

"And I want to end it by saying this is coming from a young man, who is wet behind the ears and knows half of what Jurgen Klopp knows and therefore it is better for the young man to listen to what Jurgen Klopp said."

Klopp suggested that English teams being knocked out of European tournaments has more to do with the English Premier League heavy scheduling rather than the quality of the teams.

"You will all talk about it if you don't decrease the intensity for the players. If you make the fact that English teams are not in a final (because) we all underperformed, I am not sure about that," Klopp told the media ahead of their game against Tottenham Hotspur.

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"That (Manchester) City and Arsenal are out in the quarter-finals, it is just not a reflection, that we are out in the quarter-finals is not a real reflection of quality, but that we could not deliver on the day we had to.

"It (Premier League) is not overrated, it is overworked. Easy as that. You can talk about that until everyone realises that, but someone obviously needs to help the people. That is a little advice from an old man on the way out," Klopp added.

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