Interview with Patrick Curmi

by Ayrton Galea - 29th May 2011

The new season will commence in a few days time, and we decided it was time to know more the Club's new head coach, Mr Patrick Curmi.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself :

A: I am 51 years old and work with GO. I have a 21 year old daughter, Jessica. I have been in coaching for the past 23 years. Started my career with Hamrun Nursery and following 8 years there I joined Lija Athletic in the First Division. We won promotion on our third year. Following this I returned to youth developing with Pieta for 5 years in which we won the U16 twice and also U18 championships. Following this I had a short spell with Hamrun and Marsa in Premier. Then I joined Msida for 3 years and afterwards, for the last three years with Marsaxlokk.

Q: What made you become a Football coach?

A: Since I was a young boy I was attracted to football and leadership. When I had to stop playing early due to a knee injury I opted to start coaching. At that time I never realized that I will one day be leading a Premier Club of this stature.

Q: What are the difficulties of this job?

A: There are various. One has to keep in mind that you need to know and work with different characters and what is good for one is not good for the other. So it is very important to know your players to be able to lead them to success. Also I consider a problem when you need to pull up morale after a defeat. Players arrive for training after a tough day at work. We need to adapt and modify our sessions in view of such element.

Q: Which are your best and worst memories as a coach?

A: In a long career we encounter with these memories continuously. Lately as a positive memory I consider the pulsating decider with Qormi to get to the championship pool. Another positive memory is when two years ago Marsaxlokk won last game against Msida and made it to the Championship pool. Worst memories are every time when I lose a game.

Q: How do you motivate players for important matches?

A: I consider all matches as important and it is not my normality to change my approach during games. Yes, I understand that playing against a top team is different than playing against a small one. However I believe that changing the approach will only build up more pressure. Motivating players must be all year round and giving them praise is very important. Video aides of their best actions also help. Sometimes we also use the professional guidance of a sports psychologist.

Q: When things are not going as you wish, how do you keep your players concentrated and motivated?

A: This is a delicate issue. It is important that while you analyze the mistakes and work to correct them, it is also important that even after a defeat one try to find the good things in to build on.

Q: What do you think are your strengths and weaknesses?

A: I feel that my strength in this job is having the ability to get the players together and play for our objectives. As a weakness I consider myself as a bad loser.

Q: What do you consider as the top three skills that a good football coach must have?

A: Apart from the usual football coaching skills, those of tactical knowledge of the game, and to be able to improve the technical and physical part of the players. A good coach must be fair, honest and also humble.

Q: How do you describe your adventure with your former club?

A: It was simply a magnificent adventure. I had a very good rapport with my ex President Mr. Robert Micallef. Today I consider him as a close friend of mine. Also to be honest it was him that urged me to take this opportunity. I believe we had a great crop of players and managed to reach almost all our targets. The most difficult season with them was my second year where we had to play 1st Div. It was hard to keep the players focused and motivated especially after the initial games where somewhat easy. But our goal was only the 1st place and the cup which we won both.

Q: What have you learned from your past adventures?

A: During my career I happened to work with many coaches and players. Each and every individual has his best features and I try to get that information. An important fact that I have learned in this sports is that you can never say you lost or won a game until the final whistle. So you have to keep believing in yourself till the very end.

Q: What were your reactions when Birkirkara FC asked for your services?

A: To be honest I was surprised yet enthusiastic. Being called by a top club is always a very positive sensation.

Q: Why did you accept this new challenge?

A: I am a positive minded person that likes success and want to win. With Birkirkara I believe I have a better chance to achieve this.

Q: Former coach Mr. Paul Zammit gave the chance to many youngsters to have their first team experiences. What is your opinion about youngsters in today's football? How much do you believe that it is important to try and give youngsters their chance?

A: I totally agree that one needs to take care of the upcoming club youngsters. However one has to be careful to prepare them slowly and gradually. When financial needs are getting more difficult to cope with, a club always needs to grow up his young players for various reasons. Birkirkara has one of the best nurseries on the island and has already managed to promote good players to the first squad. This trend will definitely continue.

Q: What are your initial plans with our Club?

A: The first priorities will be to bond the present group together with new signings into a more determined and motivated side. This will again instill faith and confidence for our supporters.

Q: What are your dreams and wishes as Head Coach with our club?

A: To continue being myself, fair, humble and honest and my methodology together with the technical staff will serve to put back the club where it belongs .

Q: Do you have a message for the supporters?

A: I thank you for accepting me in your house. I can guarantee that I will do my very best of ability to try and make you happy.

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