by Valletta and San Gwann will be meeting this evening at the Centenary Stadium at 20:30. Anton Cremona and Julian Camilleri gave their view of helping their sides to react and learn from previous defeats, while questioned on the importance of offensive intention in search of getting themselves going in points this year.
Seeking First Points
It will be a first meet between San Gwann and Valletta for the season, with the two sides swapping their places in the hierarchy last season. However, the two head into this match fighting to get their first points this season.
Valletta had another tough outing last week in the senior’s league, succumbing to a 7 – 0 defeat to Hibernians, with the team unable to contain Hibernians’ crossing threat. Anton Cremona gave the picture as the side attempted to react to the gameplan in the match, “I tried to fix it during the first half, but some things do not comes as you wish. In the second half, we tried to stay as compact as possible so they don’t do any more harm.”
The Valletta coach has also changed the positions of several of his players to what perhaps many were used to observing. Questioned particularly on the shifts for Shakira Bugeja and Hannah Fenech, he replied, “It’s not always my desired approach, but when you have missing players you have to adapt as best you can with the players available. I try to utilise those who I believe can do the best job in the circumstance.”
Meanwhile, San Gwann managed to go into the dressing room level at half-time against Mgarr United, but the Greens ultimately walked home with a 4 – 0 victory. Julian Camilleri weighed in on the defeat, “I think against Mgarr we were more disciplined in both attack and defence. However, we reduced our aggression in the second half and against teams who are physically better we cannot reduce our intensity in the match. We also didn’t take our chances and we’ve paid the price.”
Indeed asked for the tactical reaction of Mgarr United who managed to silence Hailey Russell’s impact by isolating the striker from the action, Julian Camilleri replied, “Today football is a highly-analytical game. Teams are analysing each other well and they were well prepared against our approach. Overcoming this depends on players adapting to situations and the opportunities created, while as coaches we are also looking to show them ways of how to approach different situations.”
A Match To Show Intent & Heart
Valletta head into it on the back of earning the first three points in the Assikura Women’s Youth League, which is expected to boost the team which is sharing several players.
However, in terms of the table in the senior league, they are still seeking first points, much like San Gwann. Considering the amount of defending his team has done, and so little attacking creation, Anton Cremona was questioned on whether he believes the team is prepared to go on the offensive.
The Valletta coach gave insight into a dressing room looking to battle the storm, “We are in a very difficult time and not easy to keep the players motivated but we are doing our best to change this time. At least we are facing a team in the same level so we try our best.”
Meanwhile, San Gwann’s Julian Camilleri confirmed the side will also have Justyne Caruana available again to play a part in goal in the match. The team has several former Valletta players who could also be involved, being one of the teams who most attracted players from the club over the summer, including Sabrin Blihi, Alicia Mifsud, Lisa Vella, Megan La Rosa and Rodianne Zerafa.
As to the possibility of an open match between two teams looking for the first points and a Valletta side which has conceded a lot of goals already, he replied, “I’m sure that this will be a good match. As I said at the beginning of the season there are no teams against whom we can take it easy. However, our targets also remain the same and we must start getting points.”
The two teams will take to the pitch at 20:30 at the Centenary Stadium.
Lead Image: Elise Bajada
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