by San Gwann and Valletta meet at the Charles Abela Stadium this evening in search of a response following heavy defeats last weekend, with both sides showing glimpses of attacking intent, while coaches Denilson Borg and Anton Cremona highlight mentality, execution, and adaptation amid ongoing squad changes.
Positives Amid Difficulties To Close Gap
San Gwann and Valletta have set the scene for a few open battles this season between each other, but the two have struggled to make much inroads against the other teams in the league. That continued to be the story last weekend as they fell to 6 – 1 and 7 – 0 defeats to Mgarr United and Hibernians.
Leading the first match of the senior team, Denilson Borg saw positives in the performance, “Playing against a top team like Mgarr is always risky if you don’t create a confrontation line and end up defending in your box. They had most of the possession and many moments in the game, but it was clear that we showed attacking football.”
Borg felt his team could have taken more from the opening forty-five minutes, “Although the first half ended 4–1, we created good chances and could have scored more than one goal. We need to be hungrier for goals — believing that we can score and making the most out of every action.”
“So, comparing the result with the performance, I think we deserved a better score by the final whistle. Obviously, without taking anything away from the quality and intensity of the football Mgarr plays. Well done to them,” he finished.
Meanwhile, Anton Cremona discussed a tough defeat to Hibernians, “It was a disappointing match. Sometimes you plan one way and you aren’t able to execute. We’ve gone backward quite a bit. A few players make a big difference at times.”
The Impact Of Leaders’ Departures
The two teams have undergone significant change in their leadership in the dressing room. Julian Camilleri’s departure has been followed by the public retirement of captain Annabelle Rapa, as well as Kirsty Paris & Kirstie Vella.
Denilson Borg was probed on the situation, “In football, this happens a lot. When players work with a coach for nearly three seasons, they become attached. At the same time, reaching an age where they are already thinking about retirement makes the decision easier — especially when there is a new coach with different demands and expectations.”
“From my side, this is what happened. I wish them the best of luck in their next adventure, and I hope they continue in women’s football because their experience is crucial,” he finished.
The response raises further questions into the departures, given the unanimous apparent forced nature of the retirement suggested by the players in their posts.
Valletta have also tested waters in recent weeks without the services of former captain Joelma Alves Gabriel, who sought greener pastures in Vietnam.
Anton Cremona gave no insight of the leadership role itself vacated by Alves Gabriel, but underscored the significance of her departure, “You cannot understate the impact of Joelma. We were starting to make progress with a system before she departed, so it’s put us in a tough position.”
At the same time, the team featured Molly Crowe for the first time, with Anton Cremona giving a positive hope for the future, “She’s a fast player. Debuts are always tough, but I believe we can expect more from her.”
Goals On The Cards Based On Past Adventures
The two teams have played out some open and thrilling battles in the season, with tonight’s fixture set for higher stakes as San Gwann seek to cement their position in fifth, while Valletta could even the points tally with a win.
Denilson Borg downplayed the significance of the match, urging his team to focus on mentality, “For me, it is not about who we are playing. I do not want to stress my players about the opponent at this stage. The season is nearly over, and as I said before, what is more important for me is to shift the way of thinking.”
Borg underlined his desire to create a consistent footballing identity, “My philosophy, style of play, game model, and tactical approach will not change against anyone. We will approach every game with the same mentality as we did against Mgarr.”
Anton Cremona spoke in no uncertain terms about his desire for the team to put stock into the work with a first win, “It is a match that can save our season, because at least we will equal San Gwann’s tally.”
The two teams will kick off at Charles Abela Stadium at 19:00. The other match this evening will be contested between Hibernians & Swieqi United at Dingli Ground (18:00), in another direct confrontation that has a bearing on second place.
Lead Image: Nicholas Falzon
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