Riise: A big step forward

by Ayrton Galea - 20th January 2019

Birkirkara FC Sporting Director, John Arne Riise, believes that the victory against Pieta' Hotspurs FC was a big step forward and he was very happy with how the players responded to his tactical changes from the previous match.

The Stripes produced an offensive display that saw them scoring three goals without reply. Matthew Guillaumier scored a first-half goal while Jorge Pereira and Danilo Chapoval scored a goal each in the second half to lift the Stripes to the fourth position.

This match was the first victory since the appointment of Sporting Director, John Arne Riise and after the match, he provided his thoughts on the match, the new signings and the way forward.

On the match..

In the first game we played (last week), it was okay especially in the first half, but today I changed the system a little bit, I wanted to play with quick wingers to place between the lines, to get more space and creativity in the front.

The players did very well and I'm very happy. The first half was brilliant. In the second half, we started not good enough, but we kept working. I'm very happy we're working hard to improve more.

On the new signings..

We wanted to create more competition in all positions. Every club needs competition (between the players). We had players on the bench who deserve to play. Well, I'll change in some games to see all the players and then the players come on and they do very well.

Jorge Pereira came on and he scored a goal, Jake Grech came on and did very well and Clayton Failla had an assist. So I just want more competition to the positions, because they will train harder and they will play better.

On the way forward..

For the way forward, we take day-by-day and we work hard every day in training. We try to improve, I'm trying to get my opinions and my thoughts to the players in training. This match was a big step forward, we played well.

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