Watch: Floriana FC want to win every match says president Johann Said

Coach Camoranesi backing team to fight for top places

Floriana FC are determined to restore their place among the top teams in the Maltese Premier League as the Greens prepare to make their competitive debut for season 2023-24 when they face Santa Lucia on Sunday evening.

The Greens are coming from a very disappointing season which saw them not only fail to challenge for a major domestic honour but also miss out on a place in a UEFA club competition.

This summer the club continued to build on the squad they had last season, bringing in some quality signings, most notably Malta midfielder Dunstan Vella and Brazilian forward Matheus, formerly of Balzan as well as extending the contracts of goalkeeper Georgi Kitanov and Italian midfielder Lorenzo Di Grazia.

Speaking to the media during the team’s presentation, president Johann Said said that the club is determined to work its way back to the top of domestic football, by continuing to give a prominent place to Maltese players.

“During the last two years, the Floriana FC administration continued to believe in the local talent and in fact, after consulting our coach, if you look at our squad we have several Maltese players that came through our nursery set up and others that were signed by the club,” Said said.

“This season I think we are going to be the only club in Malta to have eight foreigners in our squad despite having the quota raised to 16 for every club. We wanted to keep in our books only those overseas players who have a certain football pedigree and hopefully, they can help our young players in their development.

“Our goal this season is very simple. We need to come out for every match determined to win. We want to bring the major honours to our club and that is why we have invested so heavily in our squad and technical set up this season.”

The Greens this season will be led by former Juventus winger Mauro Camoranesi and Italy World Cup winner is looking forward to leading his team’s assault for honours.

“I am expecting a very balanced season with many teams capable of challenging for the honours,” Camoranesi said.

“Ħamrun Spartans seem to be the outstanding favourites but I am expecting a close fight between the teams who qualified for European places this summer and our team. This summer we played nine friendly matches and the team played very well.

“We are adopting a very aggressive approach, trying to win the ball very quickly. There is great quality in our squad which boasts a great blend of youth and experienced players.

“I have no doubt that Floriana can be among the protagonists this season.”

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