San Gwann Prepared To Face Hibernians In Third Top-Four Showdown In A Week

San Gwann and Hibernians will close out their calendar year commitments at the Charles Abela Stadium this evening, with kick-off set at 20:30. Julian Camilleri gave his view on meeting three top-four sides in the span of a week, while discussing the utility of changing systems. Kenneth Costantino gave his take on his team’s exploits as they increasingly stand out in the system adopted, while pushing his team to show their mettle against the most improved of the bottom four teams.

Framing Outcomes

San Gwann will head into their third consecutive outing against top-four opposition in a week, with the Paolites being the last hurdle before the calendar year draws to a close.

Julian Camilleri’s side suffered a 4 – 0 defeat to Swieqi United, with the team displaying an organised defence, but little outlet. Julian Camilleri praised his opposition, “I think they were the team that really caused us problems to try to get out and attack. It was wave after wave of attacks from them and we struggled to gain any footing.”

Looking towards elements displayed by his team, Camilleri continued, “I am very happy with the way we stayed compact, disciplined and worked as one team. I do not believe the team could do more than they did. At the end of the day you cannot spend ninety minutes defending and avoid conceding.”

The Yellows’ coach ended with praise for his last defensive line, “I must also mention our goalkeeper Justyne (Caruana) who we could really rely on in really tough moments in the match. She was a real stalwart to minimise the score.”

Meanwhile, Hibernians will come into the fixture following a draw against Birkirkara, which they played last week. Kenneth Costantino was asked whether he agreed with the sentiment expressed by Birkirkara’s Vince Galea, where the Stripes coach felt that it was Birkirkara that had the better chances in the match.

The Paolites’ coach replied, “The beauty of football is that everyone has a different opinion and they are all in part correct. I think both teams had decent opportunities to score more. Birkirkara had two good strikes from outside the area with two great saves by our keeper. We had four opportunities inside the area but we were careless in concluding. The end result is a draw – that is factual and whilst both teams are surely not happy, that’s what we have to accept.”

On Changing Systems & Preparing Against Them

San Gwann had become synonymous with a back-three over the last year and kicked off the season with the same system. However, the back-three is increasingly being changed out for a back four.

Julian Camilleri suggested that the systems will continue to be utilised as needed, “I believe that with the players that I have this year we can rotate our formation more. However, I always adapt according to the players available and also take into account our opposition.”

The change makes Hibernians’ an increasing standout in retaining the back-three system with wing-backs. However, Kenneth Costantino underlined the nuances that go into building a philosophy of a team extend beyond the way the team takes their shape. He said, “The formation is just the tip of the iceberg. The style of play and principles of play adopted by each team is different. They all bring different challenges.”

The Paolites’ coach also highlighted the importance of a team’s ability to adapt to the circumstances of a game, “Besides, during games you encounter unique circumstances- an early goal, sending off, player on an off day and much more. You need to deal with them accordingly. We stick to our principles and ideas even if we are the only team adopting them.”

No Excuses As The Two Look To Bring Their Best For The Year End

Hibernians won the reverse fixture convincingly, with San Gwann heading into this one following shorter turnaround of matches against top opposition. San Gwann’s Julian Camilleri gave his take on the impact, “Physically it certainly has an effect, considering that it is not only three matches against top teams, but ones which we played within a very short timespan.”

Still, the San Gwann coach is looking for the positives and believing in his team showing another good performance, “The pitch is rather small which will benefit us to close down spaces more. We must continue to be disciplined and use our strengths in attack well.”

Meanwhile, Hibernians’ coach Kenneth Costantino was questioned on whether he believes the increased rest for his team will give his side the ability to close the match quicker against a side who has been a more stubborn rival for the top four teams.

He said, “For sure having more rest days is an advantage. I never plan on closing a game by a particular time, but rather impose our play and take a positive approach to each game. We know that we must be fully prepared mentally to deal with whatever happens on the pitch.”

However, ultimately the Hibernians’ coach backed his team to show their mettle, “Whilst it is true that San Gwann are the most improved side overall, we know our value and objectives.”

The two teams will play out their fixture at the Charles Abela Stadium in Mosta, with kick-off set at 20:30. Mgarr United will welcome Lija Athletic in their home ground at the same time.

Lead Image: Lara Schembri

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