by Lija Athletic and Valletta are prepared for another tight battle at Dingli Ground, starting at 16:30. Jethron Azzopardi and Jean Lopes spoke about the improvements in their sides as they integrate new signings and promote younger players, across a turbulent season. Neither coach called this afternoon’s match, with the two expecting a close battle.
Improving Performances
Lija Athletic head into the match with some momentum following a 2 – 0 win over Mtarfa. Valletta could not complete the comeback against San Gwann, falling to a 2 – 1 defeat, and thus they will be hoping to bounce back this afternoon.
Jethron Azzopardi was questioned on whether he wished for his team to make more of the match against Mtarfa, with the Lija Athletic coach giving a balanced view, “We are trying to find the best set up to be better in each game, considering that we have several new players in the team. I was quite pleased with some play and not at all with others, but its a work in progress.”
Meanwhile, Valletta’s character was tested against San Gwann, with Jean Lopes praising the attitude to fight back despite the result not going their way. “The game against San Gwann was an interesting game, where we could see an improvement in the team’s balance both in defense and attack. Of course we were looking for victory, but as a coach I was very happy with the team’s performance and the character shown on the field.”
Developing Style & Players
Lija Athletic continued to feature more youngsters, with goalkeeper Julia Zarb making her first senior start this year. Questioned on the impression of the performance in view of earning more chances with the senior team, Jethron Azzopardi was positive in his response. “We are pleased with the young group coming up. You will see more minutes from every youth player not just Julia.”
Meanwhile, together with several transitions in players, Valletta’s style of play has changed significantly this season, with Jean Lopes opting for a more direct approach as opposed to the more possession-based football observed in past years.
The Valletta coach gave some insight on the decision, “Yes, it’s true, we have a tradition of being a team that keeps possession of the ball, but as coaches, Leonardo and I try to analyse the characteristics of the players and also the whole context involved in the season. We’ve experienced some ups and downs this season, so we believe that sometimes playing as simple as possible is the most effective way to play.”
Match Expectations
Valletta have secured two out of three wins in these encounters this season, but the matches have been balanced making this afternoon’s contest another tough battle as the two teams look to successfully integrate new players into their squads.
Lija Athletic’s Jethron Azzopardi’s did not wish to apply too much pressure on the chances of his team, but continues to expect a balanced encounter, “It has always been a fifty-fifty game that can go on either way. Hopefully this time will go in our favour.”
Meanwhile, Jean Lopes is not too worried about winning by big margins, but appears focused on having consistency, “Honestly, I don’t worry about winning games with a big goal difference. I’d rather win 1-0 by playing well, than with a bigger score that doesn’t reflect the team’s real performance.”
Looking at the team’s path, he continued, “This season, we’ve been slowly looking for balance and gradual improvement, and we’ve seen that. I think the most important thing is to show personality in this game against Lija. We know it’s going to be very difficult because, like us, they’ve also shown improvement, but we’re going to try to get a positive result regardless of the score.”
The two teams are expected to take to the pitch at Dingli Ground at 16:30, following the encounter between San Gwann and Mtarfa (14:00). The ability of matches to be played depends on the pitch’s drainage quality to withstand the expected rainfall. Yesterday’s match between Swieqi United & Mgarr United was abandoned after four minutes due to waterlogged areas in the Charles Abela Stadium pitch.
Lead Images: Elise Bajada
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