by Mtarfa and Swieqi United will initiate today’s double-header at Dingli Ground at 13:00. Mtarfa come into the second round match seeking their first points, while Swieqi United will want another strong showing to maintain their charge following the mid-week triumph over Birkirkara.
Ambitions For The Second Round
The two sides come into the match while sitting at very different ends of the table. Mtarfa were dealt another defeat at the hands of Hibernians last week, and thus still seek their first points. They will face Swieqi United for the second time, who won the previous encounter by 7-1.
Mtarfa’s Simon Spiteri was probed on whether the situation that they find themselves in is likely to see them be a bit more ambitious in their approach as they head into the second round, considering that there is not much to lose. He said, “Starting the second round with number of key players injured is not easy, as also we will have two of our foreigners abroad. However, we consider this game as another opportunity to give experience to our young ones.”
On the other hand, considering how tight things at the top are, Swieqi United undoubtedly had some alarm bells ringing as they were nearing the end of the first round, having already dropped points against both Mgarr United and Hibernians. Another defeat at the hands of Birkirkara would have not been the way they wanted to conclude commitments in the encounters against the top four, but they managed to take all points from the match
Speaking about the mid-week victory against Birkirkara which halted the unbeaten streak for the Stripes while nudging the team forward in the table, Swieqi United’s Saviour Darmanin said, “The win against Birkirkara was important, not just in relation to the table but also for the team’s morale. I think the win was merited, considering that although we had a few chances we worked well together tactically to limit Birkirkara from having clear-cut opportunities, except for set-pieces. There were many positives but there are more things that I want us to improve on so that we are more consistent when we have possession.”
Taking stock of the first round results, he continued, “I think taking everything into perspective there is an element where we can be satisfied with where we are, even if Birkirkara have a game in hand. Football is an exciting game because of surprises that happen. In a sense our win against Birkirkara was one, while Hibernians also managed to convert two of their chances against us while we could not, which saw them take all the points.”
Aside from the results, Darmanin also noted the progress that the team has made individually and as a group, “Overall, I think there were many positives, in terms of the football we are playing, the youth players we have slowly introduced and also our adaptability in terms of positional changes, fluidity in the system. However, as always we look toward the second round with an aim to improve further, take the maximum points possible to stay in the top side of the table.”
Morale, Fatigue and Rotation
Last week Mtarfa’s coach noted the understandably low morale in the squad. However, several members of the Mtarfa football team are flying high in the Enemed Women’s Futsal League. Probed about whether he believes this is one way to improve the morale in the team, Spiteri noted he is elated for the futsal team but that this is separate to his duties in coaching.
On the other hand, one wonders whether this double commitment could contribute to worsening issues of fatigue in the team and perhaps injuries.
Meanwhile, both Swieqi United and Birkirkara appeared to have several tired legs and a few players playing through injury during the mid-week encounter. Darmanin was probed on whether he will rotate the selection because of this and also considering that they will face Birkirkara again on Thursday.
He replied, “There are players who have been fighting for a spot in the first eleven and perhaps this will be their chance. It is true that we also have some injuries we suffered from our match against Birkirkara which make some players doubtful. However, I believe that we have a strong squad and whoever is selected will need to show the required consistency and rhythm, so that I can be confident that they will do the same in all games, irrespective of the opponent.”
Noting the lack of substitutions against Birkirkara, Darmanin continued, “I’ve always believed in the squad and not just a strong first eleven. The match against Birkirkara was the first where I made no substitutions but we were so tactically disciplined that I did not want to disturb the balance.”
Match Expectations
Mtarfa are no doubt facing an uphill battle but they will be heartened by having found the back of the net in the previous fixture against the Owls. Despite the loss at the hands of Hibernians, the side displayed quicker transitions which were often thwarted in the final third.
Probed on whether they will look to build on this or if they will approach the match with a damage-limiting perspective, Simon Spiteri kept the cards close to the chest.
Speaking about his next adversary Saviour Darmanin replied, “Mtarfa are finding it difficult but from our end I expect my team to play with a high-level and with consistency in each match, irrespective of the opponent. I always expect my team to play good football as a team and not with an individualistic approach. We shine as a team. I think if we do this we should be able to control the game and take the maximum points.”
On the other hand, Saviour Darmanin was probed on the issue of complacency considering the fact that Mtarfa are yet to notch a first point, together with the fact that the team just managed a big feat to win against Birkirkara.
He said, “As I have always maintained football is a game of surprises. There are surprises even in leagues and competitions abroad, where smaller or perhaps weaker teams on paper go into the match more disciplined and upset the team who is stronger on paper. This is especially common when the team is coming into the match with a high morale following a victory against an even stronger side. Birkirkara were on an unbeatable streak, and despite winning that match they are the defending champions and so they are still the team to beat. We must be careful to not get caught on that high and to be disciplined also against Mtarfa, not to slip up in a match that perhaps seems more favourable on paper.”
The match commences at 13:00 at Dingli Ground. It will be followed by the encounter between Lija Athletic and Birkirkara (15:30).
Lead Image: Jonathan Sajeba
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