by Swieqi United will be welcoming San Gwann this evening at the Centenary Stadium at 20:30. Dorianne Theuma called on the team and staff to pull together to show their best football, while Julian Camilleri motivated his side to rise to the challenge ahead in search of higher ground.
Mulling Opening Defeats
The final match of the second weekend will pit Swieqi United against San Gwann this evening. Both teams will head into it wanting to clinch their first points of the season, following opening defeats at the hands of Mgarr United and Hibernians, respectively.
Swieqi United never got quite going against Mgarr, ultimately unable to recover from two first-half goals that led to a 2 – 0 defeat. “I don’t believe it was down to attitude or the system,” replied Dorianne Theuma, questioned on whether she though the result was defined by these things.
Giving further insight, she continued, “The shape we used is the same one we played successfully in the Champions League last month, where the players showed their quality at a very high level. What happened on Saturday was simply that, collectively, it wasn’t our day. I can never question this team’s attitude. They are always one-hundred percent committed, and even when things don’t go our way, they keep pushing.”
The Swieqi United coach called on responsibility of each member in the face of the defeat, with an eye toward the right response, “The truth is that as a group we fell short of our usual standards. We coaches spoke with the players, and as staff we also take responsibility. I clearly could have done better to help the players perform at their best. That said, I have complete confidence in the team and full belief that we will respond in the right way.”
Meanwhile, San Gwann were doing well enough to hold off Hibernians’ waves of attacks, but were ultimately undone by two quick goals following the hour mark. Julian Camilleri weighed in on the cause of the defeat, “I think there are many factors. Fatigue is certainly an aspect, because it is hard to avoid a mistake when you have an opponent who is controlling things for sixty minutes. I think the second goal was a result of a loss of concentration and morale, because when you concede two goals in three minutes it is subject to that.”
However, the San Gwann coach is looking for his team to learn from the experience, “We can never lower our heads and lose heart in our objectives. We must keep fighting and minimise our mistakes.”
Injuries & Transfers
The defending champions took to the pitch without Rafanny Mendoza Abache who picked up an injury against Agarista Anenii Noi in the UEFA Women’s Champions League opening match. Dorianne Theuma gave an update on the defender, “Rafanny is currently recovering from a hamstring injury. Our physios and physical trainer are monitoring her progress closely, and we’re hopeful she will be back with the team soon.”
Questioned on the continued absence of Karima Abdulai who is yet to appear for the Owls in any competition this season, Dorianne Theuma replied, “She is currently unavailable for training and selection with the senior squad.”
On the other hand, Julian Camilleri’s side has taken to the pitch without the likes of Chaimaa Tourki, Rabab Mhalli and Nanako Kobayashi. The San Gwann coach confirmed their departure from the club, “We would have liked to keep them with us to continue building. However, it was their decision to move on.”
Match Expectations
There’s a parallel history to the match with the fixture slot a replica of last season, where Swieqi United also met San Gwann on the second matchday, following an opening defeat of 2 – 0 to Hibernians. The Owls came up with a 3 – 1 victory that day, in what went on to become a championship-winning season.
However, San Gwann also come into it with an even bolder stance with a target to gain a place in the top four, requiring them to dock points from the leaders in the league.
Dorianne Theuma was questioned on how she weighs the challenge ahead and the match as an opportunity to show a response, “San Gwann are a very well-organised team, and they proved that against Hibernians. We know it will be a tough match, just as it was last season. For us, the key will be to stay disciplined and patient. Our style of play will never change, always playing with purpose; aiming to deliver a strong performance, enjoy our football, and ultimately take home the three points.”
Meanwhile, Julian Camilleri is expecting Swieqi United to take to the pitch in earnest, “They are also coming from defeat and I don’t think they will allow us to take the match as a walk in the park. I’m sure they’ll want to win the match to fight for their place in the table.”
However, Julian Camilleri is looking for his team to also go a step further themselves, “We are prepared, must maintain the discipline we showed against Hibernians and fix our mistakes. If we do this, then we can get closer to their goal.”
The two teams will conclude the second Assikura Women’s League weekend of the year, taking to the pitch under the floodlights at the Centenary Stadium at 20:30.
Lead Image: Michael Azzopardi / Lara Schembri
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