Watch: Ħamrun Spartans hunting for first points against Lincoln Red Imps in crucial Conference League clash

Ħamrun Spartans coach Giacomo Modica has issued a rallying cry to his players ahead of the UEFA Conference League clash against Gibraltar side Lincoln Red Imps, at the National Stadium on Thursday.

The Spartans are still searching for their first points in the League phase of the UEFA club competition after suffering three defeats in their opening three outings.

However, coach Modica admitted that for the Spartans, this was their most important clash in the competition, and the players and technical staff are determined to break their duck in the competition.

“I am pleased to say that I have a full squad available,” the Italian coach said.

“We have been preparing for this match since last Sunday, and there is maximum focus on all the players to deliver their best possible performance against Lincoln.

“We are expecting a very tough match against a very tricky opponent. People might suggest that we are facing a weaker team, but the competition is suggesting otherwise.

“They have won four points so far against tougher opposition, and that shows that we cannot underestimate them.

“If you look at the standings, one might think that we are one of the weakest teams in the competition, but our performances have shown otherwise, as in my opinion we deserved at least to take four points from the opening three matches.

“Our goal is to show that Ħamrun Spartans have not entered the League Phase just to participate, and our goal against Lincoln is to finally pick up our first points and show our real value.”

Lincoln Red Imps are no new opponents for Ħamrun Spartans as last season the Gibraltar side knocked out the Maltese side from the Champions League first qualifying round after a penalty shoot-out.

Modica said that things have changed for both sides since that match and he expects his players to show great desire and determination to secure a positive result.

“I expect a lot from my players,” Modica said.

“I have a lot of faith in them and I hope that tomorrow the players show that they care for the shirt and fight for the club’s badge.

“It doesn’t make sense to put a lot of pressure that we need to win at all costs as it will backfire. All I expect from them is to approach the match with the right determination and play with high intensity.”

Solid side

Asked what he was expecting from Lincoln, Modica said: “Lincoln Red Imps are a very solid side and boast some very good individual players.

“They play with a lot of intensity in midfield and I am sure they will make it very difficult for us. For sure, we need to be patient and make sure we take the scoring opportunities that come our way.”

Ħamrun Spartans have yet to score a goal in the League Phase of the UEFA Conference League but striker N’Dri Koffi is not feeling extra pressure.

“Every game is important and we need to approach this match with tranquility and with belief that we can deliver,” Koffi said.

“I know that there are a lot of expectations on us, but we are confident in our abilities and all we can do is we give our 100 per cent. It’s going to be important that we are patient and make sure that we take the chances that come our way.

“We have already shown in this competition that we have the talent to compete at this level and we want to deliver the best possible performance not just for ourselves but more importantly for the club and our fans who are always behind us.”