Valletta host RKS Raków Częstochowa in the second leg of the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round at the Centenary Stadium on Thursday, kick-off at 19:30.
Following a 3-1 defeat in the first leg, it will be definitely an uphill task for the Citizens to try to turn the score in their favour. However the good display in Częstochowa which saw them take the lead and going close to regaining the lead after conceding the draw keeps their hopes alive.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, Valletta coach Thane Micallef said “We were disappointed with the result as it was a good performance and fifteen minutes from time, we could have easily gone ahead but we unfortunately conceded a goal and then another which could have been avoided.”
This summer, Valletta had a number of changes in their squad but Micallef is satisfied with how the new players have integrated with the rest of the squad.
“The squad went through a number of changes since last season with eight players leaving and seven joining in. Throughout the pre season, we did not only work on the physical aspect but to help the squad gel better. I am really happy with the character of the players in the squad as this is a very important aspect to have a united squad and therefore a strong squad. Regarding the technical-tactical aspect …. we have a mixture of players: a number of them had already played in the local game and therefore knew quite well what they could offer and others who are playing in Malta for the first time who usually take a bit longer to settle down but I am happy how they integrated well with the rest of the squad. This augurs well for Thursday’s game and also for the Malta Premier campaign.”
Yannick Yankam is definitely ruled out for Valletta as he is still recovering from a nagging injury.
With regards to the plans for Thursday’s game, Thane Micallef said “The game is ninety minutes long and although we are well aware that we need to score at least two goals following the 3-1 defeat in the first leg, we should not rush and go all out right from the start. I believe that in ninety minutes there is ample time to turn the game in our favour.”
“Our plan is to try to impose what we’ve been trying to do during the pre-season. We know we are going to play against a team who has quality, who did quite well both in the Polish League as well as t the Conference League last year.”
“Therefore we do expect a tough position and the fact that we are trailing by two goals makes it a little bit harder. However, the plan will be to try to do what we’ve prepared during the course of the week without getting too anxious to try to score early. I think what is important is that we keep calm when we have the ball, we wait for the right moment. Ninety minutes is ample time to turn a 2-minute deficit into our favour. So our plan will be one which will be a normal gaming plan, obviously knowing that at a point in time we need to try to find two goals in order to re-open the match.“
“We need to keep the right balance between the defensive phase and the offensive phase and things would come in place. If we manage to avoid mistakes, we could do well,“ added Thane Micallef.
Meanwhile Brandon Paiber said that UEFA club competition matches are always a beautiful experience and players always look forward to playing such matches. He added that together with the technical staff, the club managed to bring together a good group of players thanks to whom they could look forward to positive results, not only on Thursday but also for the coming season.
A clash with the loser of the UEFA Europa League tie between Hammarby of Sweden and Anderlecht of Belgium awaits the qualifying side in the third qualifying round.