by Mgarr United & Swieqi United will be concluding this afternoon’s Top-Four double header at the Charles Abela Stadium starting at 16:30. Ryan Vella and Dorianne Theuma discussed the different performances the two come into the match from, while weighing in on the pressures of chasing or being chased in the title race.
Stark Differences
Mgarr United and Swieqi United sit just three points apart at the top of the table, but they come into this fixture on the back of very different results.
The Greens succumbed to a 4 – 0 defeat to Birkirkara with coach Ryan Vella feeling that the scoreline did not justly reflect the ongoings of the match. He said, “I feel that 4-0 looks very bad for what went on during the game. In the first half we hit the post, created multiple chances, had a potential penalty waived and we ended up going in at half-time 1-0 down. We had a very positive reaction in the second half where we dominated until the 60th minute and should have scored the leveller. Instead we conceded the second goal that sealed the game.”
While each side will see the match from their own viewpoint, there is no argument on missed opportunities. It’s something that all sports teams have rued.
Having also succumbed to missed opportunities, it was a strikingly different scenario for Swieqi United last week, who managed to reverse their course in front of goal to secure a 3 – 0 win against Hibernians last week.
Dorianne Theuma was buoyed by the performance which followed a 2 – 0 defeat to Mgarr United. She said, “It was a good reaction from the team considering that we were coming from a defeat. We had a solid performance, defended well as a team and capitalised on more opportunities in the final third, something that we lacked in previous games.”
Tactical Approaches
The two teams have been very close throughout the season, with matches being decided by a goal here and there. Mgarr United have gotten their name in versatility in their systems, while Swieqi United have been the epitome of consistency in the system deployed.
Amid several injuries, Mgarr United’s most consistent line-ups have been their defence. Ryan Vella was probed on how much he relies on the composure of the defence to hold the ball and build attacks from the back, or whether the increasing reliance on quick transitions will continue to be the name of the game for the Greens in the final throes of the title race.
He replied, “Unfortunately because of the injuries we have, especially in the midfield department, we needed to rotate a lot to find the best solution for the problems we had. On the other hand, our defence have stayed consistent and fit all season and that helped us build a solid foundation at the back.”
Assessing the realities that the final phase brings with it he continued, “When the league split, we knew that all the other top three teams are really good teams, and all the games we played against them will have different situations and circumstances that we need to adapt to. Playing constantly the best three teams in the league we cannot expect to dominate all phases of the game all the time and as coaching staff we need to prepare the team to be ready to find solutions to all situations we might face in games.”
Meanwhile, Dorianne Theuma’s side has been a team that has been one of the most strongly hurt by Mgarr United’s incisive counterattacks. Having been consistent in their approach, the Swieqi United coach was questioned on whether she believes her team has learned from past mistakes to avoid conceding such goals or whether she believes it is a case of her team putting away the chances.
The Swieqi United coach weighed in, “We never underestimate our opponents and fully respect Mgarr’s quick transitions and fast attacking line, so we know we have to stay alert and prepared. However, our biggest challenge this season hasn’t been handling our opponents but rather ourselves. We can sometimes be our own worst enemy. That said, I’m very happy with our overall progress. The most important thing is recognising our shortcomings and continuing to build on them.”
Who Has The Most Pressure?
As noted above, the two have been among the most difficult to separate. With the tactical approaches appearing to be well covered, the story of the final round becomes increasingly more about who can handle the pressure.
Swieqi United lead Mgarr & Hibernians in the table by three points, which they could extend with a win this evening. Mgarr United are equal with Hibernians on 39, with a win enabling them to equal Swieqi United. However, Hibernians have to deal with Birkirkara this afternoon, who on their part could sandwich themselves in between on 40 points with a win.
History is on the side of Birkirkara & Hibernians with twelve titles apiece, but Swieqi United & Mgarr United have perhaps never felt closer to their maiden title. The two coaches were questioned on where they believe the most pressure lies, in the chaser or the chased.
Ryan Vella believes the pressure is on all involved, “I believe that due to the league still being open – and all teams can win the title – every team will suffer from some kind of pressure in the last three games as now little mistakes can prove to be very costly. It will be a battle until the last day and we’re very proud to be part of this intriguing title battle.”
Dorianne Theuma agreed on the pressure working on all teams, “With the way things have played out, the reality is that all four top teams have something to lose, but more importantly, something to gain!”
However, in the face of pressure, the Swieqi United coach is continuing to back the approach to get the team over the line, “We have stuck to our game plan since day one of the season, and we will continue to do so. Our goal is always to win, and with three finals left, everything is still to play for. We know our worth as a team, and I couldn’t be prouder of my players. Their commitment and discipline is being reflected on the pitch, and Saturday will be another opportunity for them to showcase their worth.”
The two sides have already got some advantage for themselves, having been two of three teams (the other being Hibernians) in the Assikura Women’s League to avoid any suspensions due to the Malta Football Association’s crackdown on medical examinations of individual players.
Charles Abela Stadium awaits for more battles for every square inch of the pitch and every point available. Mgarr United & Swieqi United will take to the pitch at 16:30, following the clash between Hibernians & Birkirkara (14:00).
Lead Images: Elise Bajada / Lara Schembri
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