Watch: Gilbert Agius keen to help Żabbar SP players fulfil their potential ahead of Spartans clash

New Żabbar St Patrick coach Gilbert Agius is facing a tough start when he leads his team against champions Ħamrun Spartans on Friday (kick-off: 9pm).

Earlier this week, Agius was named as the new coach of Żabbar SP after the club had parted ways with Italian coach Aniello Parisi.

Speaking during the pre-match press conference, the former Malta international said that he was delighted to be in charge of Żabbar and his biggest goal is to help all his players improve.

“It’s a pleasure to work with young players, a big challenge, but in these few days together, both the players and staff have responded well,” Agius said.

“They’re confident and motivated to make the most of this opportunity.

“When a club changes coach at this stage, it’s clear the administration wants change.

“My biggest challenge is to understand my players quickly, and they understand me, all this enabling us to lift ourselves out of this situation.

“We have quality in the squad, and we’re capable of doing good things.

“We face Ħamrun, Valletta, and Birkirkara in one week, not much time to introduce a new style, but we’ll take it step by step.

“I aim to see improvement in my players. The club’s target is to avoid relegation and progress in the FA Trophy, while I also want to help the young players develop.

“I believe it’s unfair for promising youth players not to experience football at the highest level.

We have three tough matches ahead, but the players shouldn’t feel disheartened; we must always aim to bring out the best version of ourselves.

“After their defeat in the Super Cup final against Hibs, I expect a reaction from Ħamrun. We’ll give our best to deliver a strong performance.

“Although we’re playing the best team in the league, if we stay organized and my players believe in their abilities, I’m positive about the 90 minutes on Friday night.”

Forward Zean Leonardi gave a short recount of the mood in the Żabbar dressing room in recent weeks but admitted that he is delighted that his idol, Gilbert Agius, was in charge of his team.

“After a few negative results, the spirit inside the dressing room was low,” Leonardi said.

“Losing game after game affected our spirit, but now we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and start again.

“Coach Gilbert is one of my idols.  As young players, we want to apply the same mentality he had, so it’s very positive to have him leading us.

“In recent matches, we were losing concentration in defensive moments, conceding soft goals. 

“I’ve already worked with coach Gilbert in the Malta U21 setup, and we share good memories. It’s truly a privilege to work with him again.”