Birkirkara FC holds a pre-match press conference

by Ivan Mizzi - 23rd July 2013

Birkirkara FC held a press conference at the Stadion Ljudski VRT prior to the match of the second leg of the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League against NK Maribor.

Club's Head Coach Mr. Paul Zammit and Team Captain Gareth Sciberras gave their views before the match vs Maribor.

The Head Coach began by saying, “We take this experience from this qualification round. Football gives you lessons, so many lessons. I take every challenge by looking forward. “

“We are full of confidence and enthusiasm to face this game. All I told my boys and myself that we will get another experience - this is another experience throughout our career in football.”

“I expect, first of all, and I said this in Malta, I know the potential of Maribor and I know that in Slovenia they are a very good team, and I know that as a Club that they want to continue going forward in Europe so I'm expecting an aggressive Maribor. “

“I don't see it exactly defensive or offensive. In Malta, where we offensive? Yes, we hit the post twice, but we were even very compact because you have to respect your opponents as well. We know their strengths, we were very compact but we went forward. We went forward because this is our attitude. We see it this way. “

“I'm very proud of the work with the squad. Malta is a small island but, potentially, with all the limitations that can cause a tiny island like ours but potentially we have players that can make it, and even the foreigners that we're getting. Football in Malta is growing up and its starting to growing up because of the structure in the clubs, especially the top Clubs in Malta and I'm happy even to see Maltese Teams in Europe Competitions going well. That gives me satisfaction for the work we're doing, my aim is Birkirkara FC but I'm also Maltese and I want Maltese football growing”

In the second part of the interview Gareth Sciberras addressed the press.

“Personally I believe that is going to be Maribor which is going to be aggressive. I think from what I can saw in the pitch, they were surprised in what they found in front of them. I can honestly say that they looked a bit frustrated so I believe that they have a certain amount of pressure on them that makes that a bit more aggressive.”

“We'll see. We're ready for every episode of the game and I feel that the whole squad is prepared. I have pressure on myself - I want to succeed. We are not here on a holiday or to have fun. We're here to play football, we are football players, the opportunity to play a game like this doesn't come along so I have pressure on myself to perform well and then we'll see.”

“Our approach is to be as organised as possible as we were in the first match, to obey the Coach's instructions. Basically, we are a team, not only the eleven, we fight for each other. “

“Let's say that when you analyse the game, there were opportunities that can be done better and you feel a bit frustration, and after the game we were positively happy with the performance, but yes, a bit angry for the result.”

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