Watch: Players need to fix difficult situation, says new Ħamrun Spartans coach Muscat

New Ħamrun Spartans coach Winston Muscat has called on his players to show their true colours as the Malta champions look to revive their hopes of a Top Six place with victory over Sliema Wanderers on Thursday.

The Spartans head into the match in a difficult place as back-to-back league defeats to Gżira United and Mosta have left the team in fifth place in the standings on 14 points, five adrift of leaders Birkirkara and two ahead of seventh-placed Sliema Wanderers.

Failure to take maximum points from Thursday’s match could see the Spartans in a tricky situation to ensure a Top Six berth in the final round of matches at the end of the month.

On Monday, Winston Muscat was appointed as the new Ħamrun Spartans coach following the sacking of Alessandro Zinnari and the former Marsaxlokk coach is relishing this new challenge.

“It’s a great experience to be at the helm of Ħamrun Spartans,” Muscat said.

“Ħamrun Spartans are one of the biggest clubs in Malta and they boast a great organisation. It’s a huge challenge but I feel I am ready for it and will give everything I have to be successful.

“I told my players that the most important thing at the moment is that we don’t think much of the past as that is something that we cannot change but we need to focus on what is next.

“The most important is that we stay united as a team and respect each other as that is the only way that we can to take this team out of this difficult situation and make everyone at our club happy.”

Muscat said that Sliema Wanderers will turn out to be formidable opponents for Ħamrun Spatrans but he is confdent that his players will fight hard for the three points.

“Sliema Wanderers are a very valid team and are guided by an excellent coach for whom I have a lot of respect,” Muscat said.

“For us the most important thing is to focus on ourselves and make sure we fight hard for the three points. How the league championship is shaping up, there is not one team that is in a comfortable situation and who doesn’t need to win the three points and that is why this league championship is keeping everyone on the edge of our seats.

“I hope our fans will come to support our players both in good times but most importantly when we are going through a difficult period,” Muscat said.

“They are the ones that need to push our players to give their all. I hope on Thursday they turn out in big numbers so that they can lead the team to victory.”