Tarxien Rainbows, Żabbar SP desperate for points to step up league momentum

Żabbar St Patrick and Tarxien Rainbows have their sights firmly set on valuable points this weekend when they go head-to-head in the YoHealth Malta Premier League at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Saturday evening (kick-off: 7.15pm).

Both teams head into this encounter in contrasting form as the Rainbows are in fine fettle after their dramatic 3-2 win over Naxxar Lions that handed them their first victory in the championship.

On theo other hand, Żabbar failed to impress against champions Ħamrun Spartans, suffering a 1-0 defeat to prolong their wait for a first league win this season.

Żabbar coach Aniello Parisi made no secret of his disappointment at his team’s performance against Ħamrun Spartans and made it clear he expects much more from his team.

“The style of football has improved, but the results are not there yet,” the Italian coach said.

“It’s still early days but against Ħamrun we didn’t play well unlike the previous three matches. We need to improve in several areas or we will continue to struggle.

“I believe that the results will come, but our attacking phase has to improve. We need to be more focused in front of goal, particularly when matches become difficult.

“We must sharpen our offensive play if we want to score goals.”

Żabbar defender Strahinja Jovancic agreed with Aniello that a significant improvement is needed and stressed the importance of enjoying more matches.

“It’s clear that we need to do better against Tarxien,” Jovancic said.

“We’ve analyzed our opponents, they’re a good side, but we’re positive about getting our first win.

“We prepare step by step but for me we need to learn the importance of enjoying football and taking the pitch without stress.”

Tarxien coach Jacques Scerri has been delighted with his team’s progress after four matches has been played and is urging his players to keep working hard so they can continue to pick up points consistently.

“In the summer we did a complete overhaul with many new foreign players coming into the club,” Scerri said.

“Full credit to the squad, with their effort and commitment, we’ve managed a positive start. We’ve already faced three of the biggest sides: a draw against the champions and two narrow defeats.

“The performances were strong, yet the players still felt disappointed after the losses, which shows the character and attitude within the group.

“We’ll keep our feet firmly on the ground and continue working hard in every training session.

“All the teams are well balanced, and while we’ve been unlucky with a few key injuries, we will manage through rotation. The season is long, and we must stay focused.”

Goalkeeper Andrea Cassar has been particularly impressed with how the club’s foreign players have settled well in the team and that gives him confidence ahead of the clash against Żabbar St Patrick.

“So far we have showed positive performances against Ħamrun, Floriana, and Sliema, and we’re building on that,” Cassar said.

“The foreign players are settling in well, their attitude in training is excellent, and they are improving while adapting to our style of play.

“For that reason, we are positive about Saturday and the matches to follow.”