by The Assikura Women’s League returns tonight with the match between Hibernians & Mtarfa, after a week absence to accommodate the first round of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. The two will meet at the Centenary Stadium at 20:15. Hibernians’ Kenneth Costantino suggests the team has been hard at work in search of building momentum toward the upcoming weeks, while Mtarfa’s Gaetano Papaleo is adamant on pushing forward with a balanced philosophy.
Assessing Starts & Break
The two teams had very different starts to the season and will look to kick on tonight. Hibernians will seek to return to winning ways after having earned four points from two outings against two of last year’s top four rivals, with the last outing being a goalless draw against Mgarr United. Mtarfa are yet to earn points following two defeats at the hands of Birkirkara and San Gwann.
Hibernians’ Kenneth Costantino suggested that the squad has been pushing during the past week in search of a return to winning ways, “A week off means more hard work for the girls. They are training with a very high intensity and it helps us to push even more.”
As to the draw against Mgarr United, Costantino’s response indicates the winning mentality he is looking to instil in the side, “I see it as two points lost. Not because we deserved to win, but our mentality has to always be of going out for the three points. Since the start of pre-season the girls have been working hard and the involvement, commitment and team spirit, grows day by day.”
On the other hand, Mtarfa’s Gaetano Papaleo provided his assessment on the match against San Gwann, where the team suffered a 6-0 defeat. He underlined the need for the team to work hard, despite the club announcing new signings in the past weeks, “Too many individuals mistakes against San Gwann, right from the start. When you concede goals with those mistakes, you have little hope. New signings can help the team, but they need time because they are a month behind in training.”
Squad News
Hibernians welcomed back Michaela Camilleri in the past weeks, besides having announced four signings earlier in the window. Kenneth Costantino addressed the contribution that Camilleri will bring to the team, “Michaela has been out of the game for some time, but has a very deep understanding of the game, has the same DNA which we are instilling in the girls and fits perfectly within the group. I believe she provides the needed experience to help us reach our potential.”
On the other hand, Gaetano Papaleo had positive news on Jasmine Camilleri who had to be substituted early against San Gwann prior to the Champions League break, “She seems to be doing better, she played with the under 19 team.” The Italian underlined the youngster’s potential, “She is still young but l will always bet on her. She has room for improvement and measuring herself against more experienced players can only help her improve.”
Match Expectations
The odds will no doubt favour Hibernians who bring strong form into the match. In the past Mtarfa have been more keen on deploying a low block against sides, which Gaetano Papaleo has been reluctant to fall into.
Kenneth Costantino is urging his side against any complacency, “I have been very clear during training that we can never take any opponent for granted. In fact, I am very happy with the way they approached training this week. I believe that the onus to play and perform lies on us.”
As to the question of whether his team is ready to adapt, should tactical surprises be made by the Blues, Costantino suggests the team is sticking to their approach to see them through, “We have our own way of playing and that does not change. We have prepared the team to meet either circumstance. Whether they play a low block or whether they play an offensive and aggressive game, the girls are ready.”
It appears that Mtarfa will head to the Centenary Stadium aware of the strength of the opposition, but adamant against folding their cards and with Papaleo pushing through with his philosophy. He said, “Hibernians is a super team, l know what l’m up against, but l repeat, l prefer to lose every game but never have eight defenders in my own box. That’s the mental block these girls have been used to.”
The two teams will kick off at 20:15 tonight at the Centenary Stadium.
Lead Images: Lara Schembri / Mtarfa Women
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