by Valletta and Mtarfa will initiate today’s double-header at Dingli Ground, starting at 17:00. Both Jean Lopes and Gaetano Papaleo spoke admirably of their opposition, but urged their sides to focus on playing their game with sights set on points.
In Search Of The First Three
Valletta and Mtarfa have had a slow start to the season, with the two still struggling to get their first wins in the bag. The Citizens head into the match with one point, albeit a statement one against Mgarr United, while Mtarfa still seek to get off the mark.
Valletta suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Hibernians last week, which Jean Lopes deemed a fair result. He provided his assessment of the match, “Yes, I think it was a fair result, especially considering we were facing one of the best teams in Malta. We knew it would be a very tough match, so at the end of the day, Hibernians deserved to win.”
However, Valletta deployed a more balanced approach to this match, which Jean Lopes is aiming to improve on throughout the season. He remarked, “We’re still at the beginning of the season, so we’re adjusting and trying to find the right balance. I believe the more games we play, the more we’ll find the proper balance between attacking and defending well.”
On the other hand, Mtarfa had an improved showing against Lija Athletic, but missed opportunities left the Blues ruing their first points. Gaetano Papaleo did not mince words in his assessment, “When you miss five chances in front of the opponent’s goalkeeper, it is difficult to score. However, l don’t think there was a game, when considering the level of play. They suffered the whole game.”
Developing Leaders While Dealing With Changes
Valletta have a relatively young squad, led by Anna Aloisio, as well as the experienced Monique Sultana. However, the majority of the team has been steadily climbing up the youth system as Raiders, before merging under the Valletta name.
Questioned about developing these players not just into good technical footballers, but also into strong characters on the pitch especially when facing top teams, Jean Lopes weighed in, “Yes, definitely. We have been working on the development of these players for many years, and even our captains started with us at a young age. Nowadays, we can see that even our youngest players have the personality to play in such games and give the opponents a tough challenge.”
Meanwhile, Mtarfa also bring a young group, which has been boosted by the signature of several signings this season. The team featured Leslye Nicole Espinel Bautista for the first time against Lija Athletic, while deploying also Danna Fuentes Alvarez, alongside the returning Eliza Csik. The trio, along with the young Ruth Micallef, gave the side a different dynamic going forward.
On the other hand, the side suffered an injury to Katie Gribbon. Gaetano Papaleo gave an update on the player, “She will have to stay out for two-three weeks unfortunately, but the injury is not too serious.”
Match Expectations
As the two teams set sights on their first wins, Valletta’s Jean Lopes is eyeing the Blues carefully, “It’s no surprise that Mtarfa has improved and developed more and more over the years. The work that the Mtarfa committee does to develop athletes and give them the opportunity to play football here in Malta is commendable, and I have a lot of respect for the Mtarfa team.”
The Valletta coach continued, “We know they played a very good match against Lija, which is why we should never underestimate any opponent. We are aiming for our first victory, but with the same respect we have when playing against the bigger teams. I hope we can secure our first win to move closer to the top of the table.”
Mtarfa’s Gaetano Papaleo also showed admiration for the long-term development of Valletta, while backing his team to put them to the test. He said, “l know that they are a young team that has been playing together for a long time, organised and with quality players. We will play our game, trying to put them in difficulty, with courage and concentration.”
The two teams will initiate today’s double header at Dingli Ground, starting at 17:00. The match will be followed by the clash between Lija Athletic and Swieqi United (19:30).
Lead Image: Lara Schembri
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