Mr.Paul Zammit interviewed

by Matthaeus Grasso - 24th October 2009

We have prepared a list of questions for Mr.Paul Zammit, the club's Head Coach, and he was more than pleased to answer.

Name and Surname: Paul Zammit.

Date of Birth: 21st September 1969

Status: Married to Glorianne, with 2 children, Gianluca 10 years, Andrea 6 years.

You sit here answering these questions after quite a number of friendly and a few competitive matches in charge of Birkirkara FC, how do you feel that the team has performed so far under your guidance?

# We played 18 games so far, through friendlies and competitive games, and although the results were mainly positive, there were other aspects that were more important than the results. As you know we're building a new set-up and structure for our Senior Squad, where we had to build our Team around the existing Senior players, new foreigners and many promising youngsters. It is not easy to get things going immediately, as we had to start bonding the team together, and we had to start giving a new identity to this team. Obviously, a new technical staff will bring it's own vision and a new coach will bring his own believes, and this will take it's time to work. But I am very satisfied, so far, with the attitude and committment of our players. And I am thankful to the work that the Technical Staff is doing. We're still in an early stage of the season, and performancewise we had our ups and downs, so far. I was'nt happy with the performances in our first 4 league games, but there was a considerable progress in the 5th league game vs Hibernians, where we found continuity in our game. But there is still lots of work to be done, and we have to keep believing in our capabilities.

What did you feel when you were approached by the club's management, considering the fact that you had just ended your contract with Birkirkara's fierce rivals Valletta?

# I was honoured that a Club like B'Kara FC was interested in my services. B'Kara FC is one of the most successful Club locally in these last 10 years, and although this is a transitional period, I strongly believe that this Club deserves to be among the challengers. Infact, I did accept this responsability, because I saw a challenge, a very big challenge, and my aim is to see this team growing. I want to challenge for the honours,and I know that it will not be easy. But I am very positive that if we work together and we stick to our plans, we can reach our objectives.

Do you think that consistency can easily be achieved given the current squad that we have?

# In a transitional period, a Club has to set it's short term and long term objectives. We're working very hard to make a new structure and set-up, including the Youth development within the Club. One very important thing to do during this phase is to set up a solid base, made up of players that you can build on. And this is what we did. At the moment the squad is not long enough, and we might have problems when we start having injuries and suspensions. But there is the quality, and we have to be patient working with our promising players so that they will become core players in our Squad. The next step will be adding more quality in this team, and this is our plan. That is how you can achieve consistency and continuity.

Which do you think is the strongest part of your managerial abilities?; The ability to motivate your squad emotionally, or the ability to give them the required technical/tactical instructions?

# In today's football, it's important more than ever that a coach will be strong in his managerial abilities. I do not see myself stronger in any ability more than the other, but it's my job to be at my best when it comes to tactical/technical aspects and when it comes to the ability to motivate the squad.

Do you think that the fact that our assistant manager will also be serving as a player, will help increase the club's fortunes on the pitch this year?

# I brought Branko with me, because I had specific objectives for him. We have more or less the same vision, and together we can do loads of work. I wanted to add his experience in the Technical Staff, and I wanted him to be directly involved in the Youth Development. It was not in my plans to make him play, but the circumstances brought me into this decision for the best of our Team. I think he is a very important factor on the pitch, taking into consideration his capabilities, his experience, and the fact that he can voice my message from inside the pitch.

This year's acquisitions were all players of a tender age, do you think that there will be any lack of experience on the pitch?

# Yes, there might be lack of experience on the pitch, but when you're building a Squad like ours, it is very important to have a solid foundation. We cannot have a strong long term plan, with many players coming at the end of their career. Infact, we were very careful, when we were working on the signings. There were experienced players available, but they did'nt fit our plans. The players we wanted were all under contract, and we did'nt succeed to sign all whom we wanted, for a reason or another. We want to invest in this team, we want players that can guarantee our future. We do have some experienced players in our Squad, and they do have an important role, but all the players must take care of their responsabilities, even the young ones. That is how they can grow.

Do you think that the supporters can give you and the team in general that much needed extra boost throughout the matches?

# Defenitely Yes. Our Supporters can give us the extra determination. They are so important for the Club, and I hope that we will manage to see more B'Kara supporters at the Stadium. We need our supporters to be close to this team, so that they can give us that extra push to do well and to get the team to where it belongs. I strongly believe that a successful team has so have 3 strong aspects - The Administration, The Squad, The Supporters.

What is your message to the thousands of 'Stripes' supporters who have just read this interview?

# First of all I would like to thank our Supporters for accepting me into this Club. They made me feel comfortable as from day 1. My aim is to build a Squad that can challenge for the honours. It cannot happen overnight, and I cannot do it alone. There are many people working in behind the scenes, like the administration and the people in the Technical Staff. Our Supporters can be very important for us, and one of our dreams is to get the numerous B'Kara supporters back to the stadium. We need people behind this team, we have to get B'Kara FC where it belongs. With your support we can have the extra tools to reach our objectives.

In the name of all the Birkirkara FC supporters, I would like to thank Mr.Paul Zammit for taking some time to answer our questions, and wish him the best of luck for his indispensable work in the club.

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