by Birkirkara and Swieqi United will meet at the Centenary Stadium at 20:30 for the first time this season. Billy Mock and Dorianne Theuma reflected on their team’s preparation for the battle as they head into it following opposing results. The two tacticians gave insight into potential tweaks as they face each other for the first time since Mock’s departure from Swieqi.
Stripes Working Away As Swieqi Defend Super Cup Title
Birkirkara and Swieqi United will be meeting for the first time this season this evening. Birkirkara head into it following a week hiatus as the Assikura Women’s League gave way for Sunday’s Super Cup final between Swieqi United and Mgarr United.
The Stripes ended their second matchday in a 2 – 1 defeat to Hibernians, having let slip an early lead. Billy Mock suggested the team failed to implement the game plan against the Paolites, “We worked very well during the week to counterattack. It seemed that the players were well prepared, but we failed to transmit what we did during the week.”
On the other hand, Swieqi United backed up their 8 – 1 victory against San Gwann with a triumphant battle against Mgarr United to secure the first trophy available this year, the Super Cup.
Understandably, the Owls’ mood during the week was upbeat, “The atmosphere has been very positive this week. Winning a final always lifts the group, but what pleased us most was the level of performance, especially after our defeat to Mgarr just three weeks ago. We proved to ourselves our worth and gave us confidence going forward.”
However, looking ahead to the fixture, the Swieqi United coach shed light on the impacts of the balance between the youth (U21) league and the senior football that continues to affect preparations, “With several players involved in U21 commitments, we’ve only had one full session together before our next senior fixture. So the focus now is on making the most of that time and continuing to build, game by game, to keep our momentum going.”
Tweaks In Search Of Taking The Team To The Next Level
The week off will have given some space for coaches to work with players on details. However, questioned on how the team has used the period away, Billy Mock was not giving away any details, but gave a reflective answer, “You take a lesson from a defeat. You measure yourself and prepare as much as possible for the next game. We were unlucky how we conceded both goals. But that is football.”
Meanwhile, Swieqi United have shown some distinctions from the past year. The side have brought on a few new faces, including Valentina Rapa and Sara Saliba who have slotted into defence and attack for the Owls and will be facing their former club for the first time this evening. However, Dorianne Theuma has also increased the reliance on a partnership between Andjela Kricak and Shona Zammit in midfield, while Sarah Urpani has become more favoured on the wing.
Asked on the permanency of these positions in view of the additions in the depth within the team, Dorianne Theuma began, “When we looked to strengthen the squad, it wasn’t just about adding numbers, the priority was always quality. My aim is to have a group of players who push each other, because when the level of competition in training rises, naturally the standard of each individual rises as well. That helps prevent anyone from staying in their comfort zone.”
The Swieqi United coach continued, “As for positions, versatility is certainly important, though I’m not a coach who likes to move players around too often. My priority is always to help them perfect their main role. That said, over a long season with big games every week, situations can change quickly. Having players like Sarah and Andjela who can adapt when needed gives us valuable flexibility and ensures the team is ready for any occasion.”
Old Teams & New Objectives
The meet between Birkirkara and Swieqi United had grown into the most anticipated encounter in the past years, until last season threw a spanner in the works in the form of Mgarr United and Hibernians who truly brought the battle to shake up the table for a four-horse race.
However, the battle between Birkirkara and Swieqi United is one that is expected to elicit a fiery battle as the two teams head into it three points off the pace from Mgarr United and Hibernians, having won a match and lost a match in the opening two fixtures.
The tactical battle will feature another layer, as Billy Mock leads Birkirkara against his former club of Swieqi United. Mock formed part of Swieqi in different roles including within a coaching remit and also at administrative level as technical director until the past season.
The two coaches have often been vocal about sticking to a philosophy, so knowing each other so well, they were questioned on whether some tinkering may be required to surprise the opposition.
Billy Mock downplayed any additional pressures, “I respect Swieqi as much as I respect all other teams. Three points are three points with everyone. Obviously, we prepare our game during the week accordingly. Hopefully, this time, it will go our way. For us, Swieqi is a normal team like the others, but we all know the strength of Swieqi, too. Finally, we have put aside our last defeat, and my team is well prepared for our next challenge.”
Questioned about facing a rebuilding Birkirkara under the tutelage of former coach Billy Mock, Dorianne Theuma, replied, “Both teams will go out there to win. Birkirkara have a winning mentality, so they should never be taken for granted. For us, it’s always about building on what we’ve done and looking to do it even better the next time around. Our system of play was the same in both matches against Mgarr, but the results were very different, so I wouldn’t call us predictable. What matters is that we stay true to our style while always finding ways to improve and earn the points.”
The two sides will take to the Centenary Stadium at 20:30, while San Gwann face Mgarr United at the Charles Abela Stadium at the same time.
Lead Image: Lara Schembri
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