by Hibernians & Mgarr United will be taking to the pitch for the penultimate match of the season at 16:30 at Dingli Ground. Kenneth Costantino & Ryan Vella were under no illusion that their teams’ faith relies heavily on the clash between Swieqi United & Birkirkara earlier in the afternoon, but looking for their teams to show up until the end of the season come what may.
The Manner of Defeat
With the matches dwindling, Hibernians’ and Mgarr United’s title hopes took a blow last week following narrow defeats to Birkirkara and Swieqi United, respectively.
As a result, their faith is in the hands of the two rivals this afternoon, where Hibernians & Mgarr United will need a win from Birkirkara to limit Swieqi United from wrapping up the title today and push things to the end. Even if Birkirkara win, one of Hibernians & Mgarr United will need to win the encounter today to stay in the running.
Having battled throughout the season, Kenneth Costantino was questioned on whether he believed tactical changes worked against his side or whether he wished for more clear desire from his team to get the result.
Reflecting on the defeat throughout the week that passed, he said, “Yes it was a hard week. I mean we didn’t do well in the second phase. We have many young players and very few who can pull the team. But we need to accept the facts. On another note, what disappointed me most was not the system or tactical, but the desire and attitude on the pitch. You can lose, it’s never nice, but there is a way to perform which cannot be compromised.”
Meanwhile, Ryan Vella’s side was denied from the penalty spot. Asked whether he believes luck was against them or if it was credit to the way Swieqi United handled the match. He replied, “I thought this performance was one of our best throughout the season. I thought we controlled the majority of the game and created a lot of chances where we should have equalised. Unfortunately, it wasn’t our day in front of goal. Swieqi took their chance, scored and kept a clean sheet, which in an important game like that is what matters most.”
Players & Systems
Kenneth Costantino was clear that the decision to pull out Joelma Alves Gabriel prior to the end of the first half against Birkirkara was not a tactical one or injury related. He said, “No it was neither tactical nor injury related. Yet the well-being of the group will always take precedence on any individual, no matter who that is.”
On the other hand, Ryan Vella was questioned about the decision to stick to a 4-2-3-1 approach in recent matches, noting the possibility of switches from Hibernians following the match against Birkirkara. Mgarr United’s coach appears to be sticking with the current system, “I feel that with all the injuries we have, we must play with a formation that suits our available players and that the players feel comfortable with.”
A Test Of Character & Focus
As noted above, the faith of these teams in the title race relies heavily on the first encounter this afternoon as Swieqi United take on Birkirkara at 14:00 at Dingli Ground. If Birkirkara win this afternoon, the battle will certainly be on to force the title chase to the end and Hibernians & Mgarr United’s battle takes a huge significance as to whether there could be the third contender on the final matchday.
On the other hand, a draw or a win for Swieqi United would yield the title to the Owls, which means that Hibernians & Mgarr United’s fight becomes one to get the highest possible place after a four-horse title charge that has unfolded throughout the season.
Having finished third and fourth last season respectively, with a distance to the two front runners, one would say that there is still plenty to fight for, but to do that after hanging by a thread toward silverware requires tenacity. The two coaches gave their thoughts on the matter ahead of the fixture.
Kenneth Costantino said, “At this stage, thinking about what’s ifs and buts will not help us. We just need to focus on performing the way we know how. Our main priority now is getting together as a team and finding solace in the fact that this team is very young. They need to grow and learn from mistakes.”
Meanwhile, Ryan Vella replied, “From day one, our primary aim this season was to see progression from last season and with two games left, we’ve already done better in terms of points and results. Whatever happens between Swieqi and Birkirkara, we’re determined to keep pushing for positive results and consistency in our performances. The team really had a positive season overall, and I feel like the players deserve to finish the season in the best possible way.”
The coaches of the Top Four have always described the final phase of the league as a series of nine finals, but perhaps today that will ring the truest of all. Swieqi United take on Birkirkara at 14:00 at Dingli Ground, following which Hibernians will face Mgarr United at 16:30.
Lead Image: Elise Bajada
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