by San Gwann will be facing Swieqi United at the Victor Tedesco Stadium this evening at 20:30. Julian Camilleri and Dorianne Theuma gave their take on different results and development, with the impact of restrictions on youth players continuing to come under the spotlight for another consecutive week.
Contrasting Cup Performance
San Gwann will be facing Swieqi United this evening as the two return to league commitments following their Preliminary Round ties against Birkirkara and Valletta, respectively.
San Gwann leaked goals against the Stripes, although earning a consolation late on. Julian Camilleri was questioned about his views of development considering that the team conceded plenty of goals from distance.
San Gwann’s coach continued to growing concern over the impact of the 135 minute rule. He replied, “We are struggling to develop, the squad is small and this is because of the 135-minute rule imposed on those playing also in the U21 league. It is difficult to maintain any momentum when I cannot select the players who are capable to play in the senior team because they are restricted due to playing an U21 match.”
The team’s woes were further extended after injury to midfield playmaker, Chaimaa Tourki. The team deployed Annabelle Rapa and Rhea Borg in the opening half, with Thais Muscat trusted into midfield in the second stint.
Pushed further on the gap forming between a deeply-sat midfield and the attack in the opening half and the impact of a player who is less defensively-oriented, Julian Camilleri weighed in with his views, “As a player, if you see a team who is better than you physically you will think twice about attacking, because your mind is always thinking about the impact of losing the ball and how you would recover. We must maintain a balance so that we take better control of the match.”
Swieqi United had a completely opposing result against Valletta, with the Owls flowing in creation and goals, while maintaining a clean sheet. Dorianne Theuma praised the reaction from the side following the defeat they had incurred against the league leaders Mgarr United in the previous week, “It’s never easy to react after a defeat, but the players responded very well. We showed character and adaptability.”
Questioned on her thoughts over the team’s performance in view of the several changes both in players and system, she replied, “I’m happy with how everyone stepped in. We know we have a group of players ready to perform, regardless of the system or position they play in.”
The match brought with it the first appearance in the league for Rafanny Mendoza Abache this year, after the Venezuelan’s Champions League experience was cut short by injury in the opener against Agarista back in August.
Dorianne Theuma had nothing but praise over the impact of her return in view of the individual attributes and tactical versatility afforded, “Rafanny has been with us for a long time and is an integral part of the squad. She brings experience, composure and leadership – qualities that make a big difference on and off the pitch. Her presence gives us more options tactically and helps raise the level of those around her.”
Match Expectations
The two teams come into it from opposing ends of the table with San Gwann having ground to make up as they currently just hold one point earned against Valletta, against the defending champions who come into it holding twelve points.
San Gwann have had a tough time out against the Owls, with Julian Camilleri highlighting the strength of the opposition in preparation for tonight’s encounter when questioned about the potential of facing a changed system tonight, “They are a very technical team so we must be very careful to limit their space and to ensure their players are not left unmarked.”
While San Gwann often deployed a back-three in the past, they too have also switched to a back-four. Posed a similar question about the potential of a changed system on the bearing of the match, Swieqi United’s Dorianne Theuma replied, “We don’t know exactly which formation they’ll use, but our focus remains on ourselves. What matters is that we stick to our principles, play our game, and be ready to adapt to whatever system we face. The important thing is to perform at our level.”
The two sides will take to the pitch at the Victor Tedesco Stadium this evening at 20:30.
Lead Image: Francesca Vella
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