'We have great respect for West Ham, but we're going to play our game' - Mr. Tedesco

by Ayrton Galea - 15th July 2015

Club's Head Coach Mr. Giovanni Tedesco has underlined his respect for tomorrow's opponents West Ham United FC but made it clear that tomorrow his squad will be playing their game like any other game. He said this during a press-conference on Wednesday evening, at the Boleyn Ground, where tomorrow's much-awaited match will be played.

Brimming with confidence following their qualification to the second round of the UEFA Europa League, thanks to two outstanding performances which saw the Stripes involved in a goal-less draw at home and an impressive 3-1 victory at the expenses of Ulisses FC, the Stripes are now tasked with much tougher opponents.

However, the Birkirkara Coach is showing total faith in his team for tomorrow's match. “We have prepared for this match like any other way, even though we know that this is a big match for the Club. We had two great performances in Armenia. We have great respect for West Ham United but we're going to play our match.”

“We are not here on holiday and we deserve to be here. We will not be passive opponents as we're here to play our hearts out. In these type of matches, formations such as 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 is not important. Its only important to play with courage and prepare to be in the best mental condition.”

The Birkirkara Coach is certainly aware of strength of tomorrow's opponents but is relying on his players' trust to step-up the challenge. “There will be moments where we have to suffer and that we will be under pressure. It is important to stay concentrated and if the opportunity comes, we must take our chances.”

On the other hand, the team's captain, Paul Fenech highlighted the importance of concentrating only on their squad. “We know we're facing a very strong side. We need to be concentrated from the very first second. In football everything can happen, throughout the ninety minutes they can happen a lot of episodes. We have prepared for this match and the atmosphere is really good. We hope to make it all count tomorrow.”

Fenech also made reference to three positive results acquired by Maltese teams, latest the surprising 2-1 victory of Hibernians against Maccabi. “Yes, Maltese Football is growing and yesterday's win by Hibernians will keep an eye-level on our football. I think that the inclusion of more foreigners helps in this task.”

Regarding his team's preparations for the match and if he has studied his opponents, Mr. Tedesco said, “I have seen both of their Europa Leauge matches but it is difficult to judge as they can make some changes. What was clear to see is their aggression and their mentality. They attack in numbers when in possession and they hold the ball very well.”

Miccoli's first-start with the Stripes certainly went above expectations as the Italian well-known player set his team on course by scoring his first goal after twenty-one minutes before playing a key-role in the second goal as his free-kick was headed home by Mazzetti one minute from half-time.

“I am very happy with Miccoli and the whole squad. It has been twenty days together and everything is working well. We had put up two satisfactory displays against Ulisses FC. Regarding Miccoli, he is taking this experience with a very humble attitude, he is very experienced and I'm very happy with him in our squad.

The Birkirkara Coach will head to tomorrow's match with a sigh of relief as Murga and Vukanac both joined the team on time while the Stripes are still assisting the condition of goalkeeper Justin Haber who is still recovering from an injury.

For Mr. Tedesco this won't be the first match against West Ham United as he has faced them as a player back in 2006. Palermo eliminated West Ham in the UEFA Cup thanks to a 4-0 aggregate score following a 1-0 score in the first-leg and a comfortable 3-0 victory in the second leg.

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