Birkirkara coach Gianluca Festa is keen to see his team build on their bright start to the Closing Round with another strong performance against Gżira United on Friday evening at the Tedesco Stadium (kick-off: 6.30pm).
Last week, the Stripes ended a six-match losing streak with a strong second-half performance that saw them blitz past Hibernians 3-0.
That result was a major confidence boost for the Stripes clan, as it showed that their investment in the January transfer window, which saw them revamp their squad, had started to reap the desired dividends.
However, the clash against Gżira United is likely to be another key test as the Maroons have been one of the most consistent sides in the division since Darren Abdilla replaced Clive Mizzi as first-team coach.
Coach Gianluca Festa said that he was really pleased with the efforts of his players against Hibernians, but now it’s time to continue to step up their game with another solid showing against Gżira United.
“The boys believed in themselves against Hibernians, and now we face a very organized Gżira side who have also had a solid start to this new phase,” the former Middlesbrough defender said.
“We know how important Friday’s game is; they have good individual players, but we’re ready. My players are showing great enthusiasm in training, and we’re eager to bring that same attitude onto the pitch for the full 90 minutes.
“In the Opening Round, we had several players missing through injury, but now we’ve added more quality and depth to the squad.
“That allows me to choose from the best options and keep a high level of competition. The mentality must be strong; it’s all about the mind and our collective goals.
“It’s not about individuals but about everyone giving their best to achieve the club’s targets.
“The few additions we made in the January window brought valuable experience and are helping the team massively in our aim of moving forward.”
On his part, Birkirkara defender Alessandro Coppola has revealed that the atmosphere in the squad has changed in the last few weeks and feels that everyone is pulling at the right direction.
“We played well on Sunday, and now we face another strong side,” Coppola said.
“Friday will be another big challenge. Gżira are a very good team, and we need to stay focused.
“With the arrival of new players, our mentality has changed. Everyone is moving in the same direction; it’s no longer about individuals doing what they want.
“The return of injured players and the new signings have increased competition within the team, and that’s healthy.
“The atmosphere in the dressing room is positive again, and the spirit of the team is strong as it should be.”
Last week, Gżira United again impressed when they brushed aside Marsaxlokk 3-0, with Brazilian forward Maxuell Maia impressing with a fine hat-trick.
Coach Darren Abdilla said that he always believed in the squad’s potential as the team is coming from a strong run of eight wins, one draw and two defeats in the last 11 matches.
“I wasn’t surprised by our recent good run,” Abdilla said.
“When I took over, the team was at the bottom, but I always believed this squad had quality, even before I arrived.
“Perhaps at the start, the players didn’t believe in themselves. This new phase has given us fresh motivation, but we must keep our feet on the ground after the great win over Marsaxlokk.”
‘Different team’
Abdilla warned his team not to underestimate a Birkirkara side who in his mind look a ‘completely different team’.
“Birkirkara are a completely different team now, they’ve bounced back strongly after six straight defeats,” Abdilla said.
“I’m confident we can perform at our best and get the result we want on Friday. This Gżira squad is full of players with hunger and ambition.
“It’s a joy to train a group with such attitude and work ethic. The team is determined and eager to achieve.
“Our minimum objective remains to secure a top-six finish in this Closing Round, and then we’ll see how things evolve.”
On the other hand, Eduardo Colombo, the Gżira goalkeeper, says a change of attitude among the players was crucial in their turn in form.
“On Friday we face a very tough match against a team with great history,” the San Marino goalkeeper said.
“I’ve adapted very well to the club; the rest of the players helped me settle in quickly.
“We’ve changed our attitude in recent matches, and that’s now part of our character.
“At the beginning, most of us were new, and we needed time to adapt and find our rhythm.
“The positive results have helped us grow in confidence.
“Now we know what’s expected from us, and we’re determined to help the club reach its objectives.”
