by Valletta will welcome Mgarr United this evening at the Centenary Stadium at 20:30. The Citizens’ Anton Cremona called for patience as the team finds its rhythm following an overhaul in the summer. Ryan Vella was elated by a confident start against last year’s defending champions, while pushing for another good performance this evening.
Opposing Starts
Valletta will take to the pitch this afternoon against an Mgarr United team that will be brimming with confidence. The Citizens fell to a 5 – 1 defeat on opening night, before Mgarr United delivered a 2 – 0 victory against last year’s champions, Swieqi United on Saturday.
Anton Cremona of Valletta weighed in on the defeat to Birkirkara in his first match in charge of the Citizens, “As I said before the game against Birkirkara, we expected a very difficult game, but there where some positive things and we are working hard.” Questioned on the detriment of going down to ten, he finished, “Yes, it was a difficult game and when we lost one of our main players it became more difficult.”
Probed about whether he felt the team retreated or if it was a tactical decision to be so defensive, Cremona pointed to the latter, “We want to be patient in the game. It was our first game so we tried to be more focused on our defensive zone.”
Meanwhile, Ryan Vella was elated by his side’s performance against the Owls, “The game against Swieqi was very pleasing especially the first half where we scored twice. We also controlled the rhythm of the game really well. I felt that the only downside was that we didn’t score one more, as I felt like we created a lot of chances and another goal would have put us in a much more comfortable spot. However, all merit goes to the players as their attitude was outstanding from start to finish and the result reflects that.”
Player Introductions & Rotations
Valletta had plenty of debutants in its first eleven as the side underwent an overhaul over the summer. Anton Cremona gave his view on the balance in the team following a busy transfer window for the side, with several youth prospects balanced out by experienced signings from the former Lija Athletic and Mtarfa teams.
Antona Cremona suggested he is happy with the balance in the squad, “Yes we are managing to sign good and experienced players, but we need time until we gel together. We are working hard to be a good side as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, the Greens deployed a surprise, with French debutant Ines N’Goussan starting up top alongside Alejandra Villegas Caly. The two finished a goal apiece while setting each other up, initiating what could be a strong partnership. Last year’s best finisher for the side Valeria Villegas Caly shifted wide, with the number nineteen also crucial in getting the team on its way for the goals.
Ryan Vella suggested that the team is ready to rotate players as best fit the gameplan, “Our foreigners can play in multiple positions. With another striker coming in, in Ines, it options open for us to rotate certain things from game to game depending on opponent and what we want to achieve from the match.”
Questioned about the omission of Argentinian forward, Luz Hernandez, Ryan Vella replied, “Luz felt a bit of discomfort during training and is being assessed. We’re taking it day by day, but she will be back with us soon.”
Match Expectations
As noted above the Greens will come into the match high in confidence against a side that is looking to build fluidity and confidence. A very different Valletta proved to be a sting for the Greens at the Dingli Ground last season, holding Mgarr to a goalless draw. However, Mgarr United consolidated since and will certainly be looking to maintain their winning start.
There could be a further battle within the war as Mgarr’s summer signing, Gaia Antonelli, may feature against her former club for the first time as well.
Questioned about approaching a match against another of the strongest teams in the league, Anton Cremona is under no illusion of the task ahead but gave away no tactical details. Weighing in on the encounter he replied, “As all know Mgarr are a strong team and we know that they have good and fast players. A win against a strong team like Swieqi will surely raise their morale. We are still building the squad. We have to be concentrated, patient and everyone must do their job.”
On the other hand, given that the Citizens will be without their captain, Joelma Alves Gabriel, through suspension, and having several young players in their squad, Mgarr United’s Ryan Vella was questioned about the possibility of rotations in his team.
He started, “We will decide our starting eleven depending on the training week. Those that train best will play.” However, the Mgarr United coach hinted that there could be fresh faces, “Obviously the game is ninety minutes long and I’m sure that substitutions will be used and certain rotations will happen during the game as we hope to see our new players debut with our team in a competitive game.”
The two sides confront each other for the first time this season this evening at the Centenary Stadium at 20:30.
Lead Images: Elise Bajada / Michael Azzopardi
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