Interview with Matthew Guillaumier

by Ayrton Galea - 1st February 2016

Midfielder Matthew Guillaumier is rated as one of Malta's best young talents and he joined our Club in this January Transfer Market. We interviewed the seventeenth year old player to get to know him better.

Joining our Club on the 11 January, Matthew made his debut in the 1-0 victory over Valletta in the Quarter-Final of the FA Trophy. Since joining our Club, he featured in every match, including yesterday's goal-less draw, when he came as a substitute on the seventy-first minute.

1. Who is Matthew Guillaumier?

I am Matthew Guillaumier, but many people know me as Gulli. I am 17 years old and have always loved football, for as long as I can remember.

2. How did you start playing football?

I started playing football with Luxol when I was 3 or 4 years old. I always loved playing with a football when I was younger, and always looked forward to going to training.

3. How difficult is it to juggle between your studies, football and your free time?

It can get tough sometimes, especially during exam periods, like it is at the moment, however it is not impossible. There is time for everything, studies, football and also free time.

4. What is the best piece of advice you have received, and who was the source of that advice?

The sporting director of Empoli's first team once told me "if you're not doing something with your heart just stop". This is very true as, if something is not coming from the heart, you will not give your 100%.

5. Can you describe your experience with Empoli? How did it all start and what are your comments after this adventure? Is playing abroad still a wish?

It all happened when I went to a tournament in Rome with Luxol. A scout of Empoli saw me there and asked the coach for my parents email to arrange a trial. I went for a week's trial and they wanted to sign me, however I was too young at that time.

I kept going to Empoli a further three or four times, then in 2013 I went for four months. It was very hard during those four months since I could not play any games. I decided to come back to Malta because of this and also because I needed to do my O'levels. I decided that I didn't want to go back till at least I finish my A levels, which are this year. After this I would consider any opportunities abroad, and yes, it is my dream I would say.

6. Why did you join our Club? Did you imagine yourself wearing our shirt before?

My parents decided to send me to Luxol, and I was happy there ever since I joined. I never considered moving to another Maltese club until this transfer window, because I have always been happy at Luxol, and still was before moving here. However I think that joining Birkirkara FC was an opportunity that I couldn't miss.

8. Following the first weeks with our Club, how are you feeling? Have you settled in? Was it difficult to adapt to our Club's culture?

I am very happy at the Club. The teammates were very welcoming and I have made quite a few friends now. I've already become used to the new situation including the intensity of training and also having all those supporters behind you every game. It will take a few more weeks to get used to the pressure of performing every game.

9. How would you describe the atmosphere in the dressing room?

From the first day I arrived I really enjoyed the atmosphere in the dressing room. Everyone seems to be relaxed but ready to prepare for each game. Apart from being teammates everyone seems to be each other's friend outside of football too.

10. Who is your best team-mate so far?

I don't think I can single out one teammate because everybody was very helpful upon my arrival. However the people I knew well before arriving have helped very much such as Philip Schranz, Cain Attard, Ryan Camenzuli and Kurt Zammit.

11. Following four victories in January, we dropped the first points on Sunday. What are your comments on the match? What did we do right, and what we could have been done better?

I think we played well and fought hard. We were very good defensively but lacked opportunities to score goals. However the few chances we had, we should have taken them.

12. What are your comments on the next match against Balzan?

I think we need to listen to the coach and follow his instructions because he knows what he is doing. As I mentioned previously we should take all goal scoring opportunities in order to ensure the vital three points.

13. Do you have a message for the supporters?

All I can tell them is that all the players, coaching staff and administration are trying the utmost to ensure success for the club. Their support is what makes us work harder and harder. Lastly, Forza Birkirkara!

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