Tactical discipline key for Floriana against Shamrock Rovers in UEFA Champions League qualifier

Floriana face a tough start to their Champions League campaign when they host Ireland’s Shamrock Rovers in the first qualifying round, first leg, of the European club competition at the Centenary Stadium on Tuesday evening (kick-off: 7.30pm).

Daniel Portela’s team are back in UEFA elite club competition after last May they were crowned Malta champions for a record 27th time.

However, Floriana face a tough task to emulate the European success of Ħamrun Spartans last season as they face an experienced Shamrock Rovers side.

The Irish champions have managed to reach the League Phase of the UEFA Conference League in each of the last two seasons.

Coach Daniel Portela admitted that his team faces a very tough challenge against the Rovers and highlighted the importance for his team to show tactical discipline in their bid to secure a positive result ahead of next week’s second leg.

“Shamrock Rovers are a very organised side who play high-intensity football,” Portela said.

“But during the past weeks, the players have worked hard on a specific game plan which we need to follow. We need to be very compact and try to keep control of the match in difficult moments. But more importantly, we need to take the chances that we create.”

Portela said that during the past month, the players did a lot of crucial work so that they head into the tie with a strong mentality.

“We worked hard on finding the right balance between defending and attacking our opponents, and the players look very united,” he added.

During the past weeks, Floriana have worked hard to strengthen their squad and managed to bring in defender Amar Drina, midfielder Gaston Romano, winger Ange Curtis N’Dri and forward Tomislav Gudelj.

Portela sounded pleased with his squad and emphasised on the importance of keeping tactical discipline during the clash.
“Shamrock Rovers are a very experienced side, and we need to be patient and try to soak up the pressure,” Portela said.

“They like to keep control of the match, and we cannot afford any lapses of concentration as Shamrock have the players to capitalise on the opportunities we give them.

“It will be vital for us to exploit our quick forays in the best possible way to try and hurt them with our speed and technique.”

On his part, club captain Dunstan Vella sounded confident that his team could provide a stern challenge to the Irish champions.

“This is a very delicate clash for us,” Vella said.

“We know it’s going to be a tough match against an opponent who has great experience in Europe. But I believe in our team. We have been preparing for the past month so we are in the best possible condition.

“The fact that we are the Malta champions is an added motivation as well as increases the responsibility to perform well in such a prestigious stage.”

Shamrock Rovers have a clear advantage over Floriana in the fact that they are midway through their domestic season.
The Irish champions are leading the Premier Division on 50 points from 25 matches, seven clear of nearest rivals Bohemians with St Patrick’s in third place on 41 points.

But Floriana must show that they are ready for this tough challenge and their goal will be to keep the tie alive ahead of next week’s second leg in Dublin.