Interview with Manuel Bartolo

by Ayrton Galea - 23rd March 2011

On Saturday Birkirkara reached the Semi Finals of the U*BET FA Trophy in a dramatic match, packed with goals and emotions, with the main protagonist being the Birkirkara goalkeeper Manuel Bartolo. In this week's interview, it was his turn to share his thoughts with us.

After several weeks when Michael Fraser was defending our posts instead of Manuel Bartolo, it was Manuel's turn again to show his potential. We opened this interview by asking him for his comments about this, "Yes true, several weeks had passed since my last performance. You must always be ready, and concentrate when your chance comes again, because only with these two factors you can give a good performance. To return after several weeks is not an easy task, however the coach and my team mates believed in me and for this I have to thank them."

We changed our subject to Saturday's match and what was the difference between the first and second half as the performance improved so much in the second half. Manuel said "I think in the first half we had much of the possession but we were not that dangerous. In the second half we were more direct in our opportunities and our will was more evident. This match was very important both for the Club and for us the players, as this win can mean a place in the Europa League."

As Manuel said, to return to the game after several weeks is never easy. However, besides several decisive saves in the first half, in the penalty shoot-out he saved two of them. He marked the other two, although one unluckily got past him but the other one hit the post. About all of this Manuel had this to say: "The worst thing for a goalkeeper is to concede a goal after the first few minutes but you must stay concentrated and encourage your team mates.

"Yes, the penalties had to decide the game. The outcome is unpredictable but you want to try to read the player's mind. That's what I tried and it worked for us. Thanks also to the players who scored as it was their ability as well that achieved this result. In that moment you feel the happiest person on earth, when you see everyone celebrating. After all, winning is the aim of the game."

We asked Manuel Bartolo what he is expecting from the rest of the seasons and what he is aiming for. He said, "This season I am playing with one of the biggest clubs in Malta, so I am seeing this season as the one which can see me win the first silverware. Without doubt, if this happens, I could not be happier."

We concluded this short interview by asking Manuel what he thought of 'The Stripes' supporters. "Their chants gives me great courage. The supporters for us are the most important thing and that is why I want them to understand us when we commit a mistake. No one wants to make mistakes but these things happen to everyone. In my final words, in the name of the coach and all my team mates I want to thank them for their support. Thanks a lot!"

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