Paul Zammit gives his comments

by Ayrton Galea - 23rd August 2010

On Saturday, Birkirkara lost the Super Cup final in a dramatic way where the 'Stripes' made all the possible effort. Head Coach Mr. Paul Zammit gave us his views about this final.

"It wasn't that easy preparing for this game during these last 3 weeks, for several reasons, like the injuries of Rowen Muscat and Alan Tabone, the sickness of Andrew Decesare, and the fact that we couldn't use National Team players for our friendly games. Even our new signing Terence Vella was not 100% fit as he suffered an adductor strain a few days ago when he played for the U21 National Team vs Wales. And obviously we have still to sign our 4th foreigner for this season. We knew that we were not going to be in full force for this Super Cup final, but we worked hard to be well prepared. Regarding the game, it started on a slow note."

"Tactically we were very disciplined and although in the first half Valletta had more possession of the ball, they were rarely dangerous. We conceded the goal just before half-time through some lack of concentration. In the second half we did improve on our game and we had to do some changes to provoke more attacking options, and we managed to score 10 minutes to go. The game went to extra-time and tiredness started to take place. We still believed that we could clinch the winning goal on a counter-attack, and as we were 2-1 down, we kept pushing forward for the draw. It came 2 minutes from the end, but then we were unlucky to concede the 3-2, seconds to the end of the game."

"I am obviously very disappointed with the result, but I am very proud of our boys. They were very disciplined and very patient, and fought their hearts off. Bearing in mind that for a Cup Final where we weren't at full force and had so many youngsters in the Squad, it was quite satisfying to see so many positives out of this game."

Then on a different note, Paul Zammit commented on the upcoming season as it is predicted to be a very difficult one. Mr. Zammit's reply was, "Although we are the defending Champions, this new season will give us new tasks to work for. As from day 1, I always believed that Birkirkara FC has to be amongst the challengers, and this is how it should be. This Club deserves to be fighting for all the honours every season. To do this, is no easy task, but we have to do our best to keep doing it. Last season is past now, and we have to prove ourselves again. I always tell the players that there is a very fine line between success and failure, so we have to keep working very hard to achieve success. We all have greater tasks this coming season. Our Administration, Technical Staff, Players and Supporters shall work harder than last season and must be prepared to be strong in good and bad situations."

His final comments were for the 'Stripes' supporters as his final few lines were, "I must take this opportunity to thank all our Supporters for their continuous support. They mean so much to us as they give us that extra strength needed. I hope that this season they will continue being our 12th man on the pitch. Even on a personal note, our Supporters give me that extra push knowing that they are always there behind the Team."

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