Derbies between Floriana and Sliema Wanderers have always had a special feeling for these two traditional rivals but Saturday’s clash has a unique taste as both teams are aware on the importance of picking up maximum points at the National Stadium (kick-off: 1.45pm).
The Closing Round is turning out to be one of the closest championships in recent years, with leaders Marsaxlokk and 11th-placed Balzan separated by just five points — a crazy statistic, to say the least.
While Floriana are certain that if they fail to finish on top in the Closing Round, they can still battle for the title via the championship play-offs.
On the other hand, Sliema Wanderers have little margin for error and need a top-two placing to put themselves in the race for the league crown.
At present, Floriana are sharing second spot with Ħamrun Spartans on 11 points, one adrift of Marsaxlokk, while Sliema Wanderers are sharing fourth spot in the standings with four other teams on the nine-point mark.
Sliema coach Paul Zammit admitted that victory in Saturday’s Old Firm derby has become their main priority given the high-level of competition being experienced in the Closing Round.
“Every match is equally important, but securing the three points on Saturday remains the top priority,” Zammit said.
“The gap between teams is narrowing, and every side is improving. The quality of Maltese players continues to grow, which is why I believe Saturday’s match will showcase a lot of talent on the pitch.
“For Sliema, the most important thing is collecting points to strengthen our position in the standings.”
Zammit said that Sliema, after succeeding in restoring their place among the top teams in Premier League, must take the next step if they are to become genuine title challengers but warned they need to shore up their defence.
“Our two-year cycle as a team has come to an end, and now we must focus on building a new one. It’s time for us to step up,” Zammit said.
“Defensively, in this Closing Round we have struggled, while our attacking play has improved slightly. I’m not satisfied, but I have full confidence in my players.
“In the Closing Round, we aimed to build on the progress made in the Opening Round and maintain consistency. We had good moments, but at times, a lack of focus cost us.
“From now on, teams that suffer back-to-back defeats will find it difficult to break into the top six.
“On Saturday, we are up against a team that is improving both in performances and results.
“However, my players are fully committed, and that gives me confidence heading into the match.”
Sliema defender Myles Beerman admitted that Sliema have not only manage to produce their best football consistently this season but emphasised that all the players are working relentlessly to improve.
“We’ve been inconsistent, but we’re working hard in training,” Beerman said.
“We recognize our setbacks and must show character by bouncing back from last week’s defeat to Gżira. Many teams strengthened their squads in the transfer window, making the competition tougher in the Closing Round.
“We need to be more consistent in our concentration levels. If the team is struggling, each player will struggle too.
“Maintaining the right spirit in the dressing room is crucial, it allows us to give our all and stay focused on helping the team succeed.”
On his part, Floriana coach Darren Abdilla said that his team’s successful Opening Round campaign has lifted a bit of pressure from the club as now it’s the other clubs that need to step up and finish ahead of Floriana to keep alive this season’s title race.
He attributed his club’s success this season to the great chemistry that exists at the club.
“Every team is competitive, and credit must go to the players and technical staff for their efforts.
“The league has become more balanced, and the key to success is maintaining unity and a calm atmosphere.
“That harmony gives us more confidence to continue enjoying this journey. Our goal is clear, to win the Closing Round like we did in the previous round.
“As the team to beat, opponents are doing everything possible to stop us from attacking effectively.
“We are adjusting our approach and must settle on a style that strengthens our pursuit of our objectives.”
Asked if he is concerned by his team’s struggles to score in the Closing Round, Abdilla said: “We are creating chances, which is encouraging. I would only be concerned if we were failing to generate opportunities.
“Winning three points on Saturday is crucial.
“This team has an incredible never-give-up attitude. Let’s not forget that in the Opening Round, we were eight points behind Birkirkara and managed to turn things around.
“Football is unpredictable, and key moments can change the course of a game.
“A win against Sliema would be a significant mental boost, but we must be at our best against a well-prepared side led by an excellent coach like Paul Zammit.”
Jake Grech, the Floriana midfielder, said that the club’s additions in January has provided more quality to the squad and said increased the belief that the Greens can go on and win the Premier League title.
“Without squad depth, it becomes difficult to compete at the highest level, but we believe in our group as the club has injected a lot of talented players during the January transfer window. It’s up to us now to develop better chemistry and achieve our goals.
“We need to be more precise in the details and decision-making, especially in the final third and situations high up the pitch.
“This is a derby, and Sliema are a strong team. We must be cautious but fully focused on securing all three points.
“I’ve had the privilege of playing for clubs that compete for titles, and at Floriana, there’s an obsession with winning.
“However, the environment here allows us to work with a sense of calm and purpose.”
