Micallef appeals to Valletta fans to give the team an extra push against Ħamrun Spartans

Thane Micallef said that he is counting on the passionate Valletta fans to give his team the extra push needed to secure a positive result against Ħamrun Spartans in the YoHealth Malta Premier League on Saturday.

The Citizens opened their Closing Round campaign in impressive fashion after thrashing Mosta 5-0.

Micallef is hopeful that his players can maintain that momentum and secure a much-needed result against the Malta champions to keep their place at the top of the standings.

“It’s important for us to make a solid start to this Closing Round and maintain our current position in the table,” Micallef said.

“We’re preparing in the best possible way to give our fans what they deserve.

“We expect a good atmosphere, and we’re counting on our supporters to give us that extra push in our effort to achieve a positive result.”

Micallef revealed that he has a full squad available with the exception of striker Andrei Ciolacu, who is recovering from injury, and Diogo Tavares, who failed in his bid to overturn his six-match suspension on appeal following his red card against Floriana.

The Valletta coach admitted that every match in the Premier League is crucial towards a strong final placing at the end of the League Phase.

“From our experience in the Opening Round, we know that every game has a fundamental impact on the final standings,” Micallef said.

“Starting again from zero points allowed some teams who struggled earlier to bounce back, both physically and mentally.

“This setup creates a strong belief that you can make it into the Top 6 and make up for a slow start. Competition within my team is very positive.

“There are still many games ahead, so having depth and quality across the squad is essential.

“We’re happy with the players we have, though I don’t exclude the possibility of adding a few more before the transfer window closes on February 5.”

On his part, Valletta FC skipper Brandon Paiber sounded positive that his team can secure a positive result against the Spartans.

“It’s important for us to approach this match just like any other, even though we know that for our fans it has a special feeling,” Paiber said.

“In the three matches we played against Ħamrun, we performed well, one of them was a knockout match and we beat them, so we’re confident we can get another positive result on Saturday.

“The new players understand what the coach expects from them, and as captain, I do my best to help them integrate quickly.

“With more playing time and continued hard work in training, we can keep our good run going.

“The club’s strong January recruitment will also help us push further and hopefully improve on what we achieved in the Opening Round.”