Following last match’s win against Marsascala, tonight Mdina Knights shall be facing Zebbug, with the hope of getting another three points.
In anticipation of this match, The Third Eye interviewed head coach, Kyle Sultana, regarding the Knights’ current form and performance.
Kyle, last week the team managed to get a win after some months of undeserved suffering. What’s the feeling amongst the players?
I wouldn’t say the losses were undeserved. We were playing against teams that were of a much higher caliber than ours. It is the format of the league this year that saw us playing against teams who have foreigners who train the sport at a professional level, with players coming from Brazil and Serbia amongst other top Futsal Nations. The difference in the level is quite evident when comparing these foreigners with locals, not just those of our team but of every team in the competition. In reality, the team improved a lot from last year, however, playing against such teams may make the team look like it has not improved from the past year, which is definitely not the case.
Last week, we played against a team of our caliber and the team got the win it deserved. Not just because we played better but also for the level of commitment and passion the team showed. The team is ready to start a positive run similarly to last year, starting by the match against Zebbug,
Do you feel that the encounter with Marsascala last Thursday could be the turning point of this season?
Turning points are those moments that help the players believe they can achieve more than what they currently are doing. I do not believe the match against Marsascala was a turning point. It was a win that reminded us of what we are capable of doing. The match against Zebbug can be the turning point however. They are a very good team and we must be in our best shape in order to get the win.
Tonight you’re playing against Zebbug, who are slightly above you in the league standings. What are your expectations for this match?
The match should be a hard fought one. I consider Zebbug as slight favorites considering their experience. However, the team relishes such matches in which we are considered as slight underdogs. The "never say die’ attitude gave us plenty of points last year and won us two games this season alone so we have a very good chance of winning. Honestly, the match can go both ways. It all comes down to which team is more concentrated, the team that will run more, the team that wants it more.
Do you agree that when your counter attacks are a bit slow, you make it much easier for your opponents to predict your movements?
It is not an issue that the counter attacks are being slow but rather the lack of counter attack situations we are creating. Last year counter attacks were the basis of our game. This year, teams are not underestimating us like last year and are playing more conservatively against us. This means that less counter attack situations are being created. Also our style of play has changed this year. We are trying to play more responsibly, sometimes too much and we squander a counter attack situation by passing the ball back. A player must identify the right time to hit the opponent on the break. This comes with experience. However, we should be faster in our play in general. It is a problem that comes along due to the lack of confidence some players may be feeling. Players may feel hesitant to make certain runs due to the lack of confidence resulting in a slower game. Hopefully, last week’s win will correct a part of this issue.
Some of your players complain that you might be making too much substitutes during the match to try to include everyone. What’s your reaction to this?
A player should not complain in the first place. If the individual believes that he has more energy to use, he should run more. If a player stops running, it means that he has no energy left hence a substitution is required. Therefore, if the players keep running in the pitch then I see no reason to change. There are 14 players. All 14 players are chosen because they can make a difference. Nobody plays just to have a run of play.
Will any of the players who joined in February be featuring tomorrow?
Yes Andrea Farrugia should make his debut, whilst Gaetano Gesualdi has also made the team.
Do you have any assurances about the five players who shall be starting against Zebbug?
Even though starting the match doesn’t mean anything due to the flying substitutions, it is important to hit such a team strong from the start. The players that will play from the beginning will be, Matthew Gatt as our goalkeeper, John Micallef as our sweeper, Andrea and Cleaven as wingers, whilst Leo Muscat will assume the role of the pivot.
What’s the final message that you have for the players before each match?
To give the their best, believe in their abilities, play for each other and have fun.
