High praise for Pirates from former Barcelona and Madrid star

UD LAS Palmas head coach Luis Garcia praised Orlando Pirates after their goalless draw on Thursday night at the Estadio Municipal Antonio Lorenzo Cuevas in Marbella, Spain.

- HERMAN GIBBS

Garcia, a former winger for Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, had some nice words for Orlando Pirates after the match.

He said, “It was a good test for us to keep improving and get fit for the championship (Spanish 2nd Division). Orlando Pirates are a very physical team, showing good rhythm, strong individual skills, and effective football.”

He added, “Pirates are one of the top teams in South Africa. It was a great match because of their physical style. Playing against them is helpful for us, especially in our first week of training and having our first friendly match.”

Pirates’ new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou said his team struggled to handle the high-pressing game from the Spaniards.