by Mgarr United head into tonight’s clash with Valletta knowing that victory would finally seal their long-awaited league title, with Ryan Vella stressing patience, mentality and belief after last week’s weather-affected draw against Swieqi. Anton Cremona, meanwhile, acknowledged Valletta’s ongoing battle for consistency while preparing his side to face a highly motivated league leader, as the Citizens look to remain disciplined despite recent setbacks and the imminent departure of captain Joelma Alves Gabriel.
Finding Positives
Mgarr United will be chomping at the bit to kick things off tonight against Valletta as they search for the win to confirm a league title that has been long coming. They faced a similar proposition last week, but the windy affair against Swieqi United ended in a 1 – 1 draw.
Ryan Vella gave his view on the match, “As a coach, it was really sad to see that a game between two good teams that were placed first and second had to be played in those conditions. We planned and worked a lot tactically, but obviously everything went out of the window. Starting off the game against the wind was a matter of staying in the game because we knew that in the second half we would have the upper hand. We scored the equaliser, had a few chances hitting the woodwork and pushed to the last second, but unfortunately we had to settle for a draw.”
The Mgarr United coach underlined the determination of his players throughout, “I am proud of the players performances as they pushed until the end and had a positive attitude throughout the game in very bad conditions.”
Though Valletta walked away with a big defeat to Birkirkara, they had a much more disciplined start. Anton Cremona gave his view, “We worked hard to be more disciplined in the pitch and I think we started off well. However, we still struggled as soon as the first goal went in. We cannot lose concentration and our morale so quickly, such that we concede two more by the time we settle.”
However, the Valletta coach also hinted at further trouble brewing, “There were other things that occurred prior to the match which we couldn’t adjust to either.”
The match also kicked on in the absence of the Valletta captain, Joelma Alves Gabriel, a former Mgarr United player. Questioned about this Cremona revealed that the Brazilian’s time in the Maltese league is coming to an end, “In a quick turn of events, Joelma was offered an opportunity to play away from Malta and as a policy our club would never deny an opportunity for a player. She will leave Malta in the coming week to go start a new adventure in Vietnam. As club we wish her all the success.”
Two Sides Of The Table – Three Points To Wrap It Up
Although Mgarr United’s draw against Swieqi United kept their unbeaten run in the league alive. There was no denying that the Greens hoped for more, knowing that a win would have confirmed their title mathematically. Asked about the mental framework of the past week, Vella continued, “Although a draw was a positive result for us, the players were very disappointed after the match mainly as they knew that they couldn’t have done more on the day. This week, it was about finding the positives and working mentally to prepare for a different test on Saturday.”
Indeed, they will be facing the team at the bottom of the table, one that has improved its attacking play in recent weeks, but has still leaked goals at the other end. A smaller pitch could make things frustrating for the Greens, should Valletta settle for a defensive approach.
Ryan Vella underlined that his team must take to the pitch with the right mentality, “Our principles will never change. Valletta will be tough to break down especially in a smaller pitch. So we have to be at the top of our game and be patient to create good goal scoring chances. Our aim is to win – like it is in any other game. We’ll continue thinking and approaching games in this way, whatever happens on Saturday.”
Valletta’s Anton Cremona knows his team is facing an added challenge this evening, “As with any game, it will be difficult and this one will be even more so knowing that Mgarr are looking to confirm their league title for the first time. Every match against them has been difficult, and surely this won’t be any easier, but we must do our best as we try to do in every match.”
The respect continued to be the epitome in the sport, with Cremona finishing off, “I would like to wish the Mgarr United administration, coaches and players every success for the league title.”
The two teams will take to the pitch at the Charles Abela Stadium at 18:00.
Lead Image: Michael Azzopardi
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