Interview with Mr. Paul Zammit

by Ayrton Galea - 20th October 2011

Last Saturday Birkirkara were beaten by Valletta with a 2-1 score, despite showing a positive and improving performance from last outings. This we decided to talk with our new head coach Mr. Paul Zammit.

Were you surprised when Birkirkara FC asked once again for your services?

No, I wasn't surprised that Birkirkara FC asked for my services again. I wasn't surprised because I know that there were mixed feelings regarding the case of not renewing my contract from the previous administration. When I came to Birkirkara FC in 2009, I presented a 4 year plan and I felt that I was stopped in the middle of it. Obviously there were reasons and episodes about this, but we need to put everything behind us, look ahead and work hard to reach our objectives.

In fact I would like to thank Mr. Karm Galea and his committee members, who together with the previous Technical Staff, worked with me, to achieve a 3rd place in the League in 2010/2011, a League Championship in 2009/2010 and a 2nd Round Qualifier in the preliminary round of the Champions League 2010.

Why did you return to Birkirkara F.C.?

There were 3 main reasons why I accepted to come back.

(a) - I really believe in the potential of the players we have in our Squad, and in my opinion, if we manage to get the best out of them, we can guide this Team to where it belongs - Challenging for Honours.

(b) - When I spoke to the top officials of the Administration, I saw that we're on the same wavelength, and if we put all our efforts together, we can achieve what we're working for.

(c) - Last but not least - The Supporters. I have great respect towards them and I know that they have a great respect towards me. They make me feel at home.

Knowing that I have them on my side, I feel stronger, and I'll do anything to make them feel proud of this Club.

How difficult was this decision?

Yes it was difficult, and it's normal, due to the circumstances, that I felt it was a difficult decision.

Can you tell us the players' reaction when you were appointed as Head Coach?

I had very positive feedback from the players. Many of them I knew and worked with before. The new players showed me very positive attitude as well. This group of players want to work and achieve, and this is the only track in our minds. Let's do it together.

Without any doubt your return was welcomed with numerous wishes from our supporters. What are your comments on this?

I was very surprised with the warm welcome I received when I was presented to the Supporters on Sunday morning, 2nd October 2011. Their wishes are genuine.

They love this Club and they want to see their Team challenging for Honours and winning silverware every season. I can understand because I feel the same.

You were not the head coach during the transfer market, how happy are you with the new signings?

Every Coach has his own ideas, and every Administration has its own visions. I'm very happy with the Professional Attitude of our foreigners and that the Club has invested in Gareth and Leighton. I am very glad that the Club has retained the services of all the core players we had these last 2 seasons. As I said before, I have my own visions on how we can make ourselves stronger, but this will take place in the due course. I am sure that our Administration will do it's utmost to give me their support so we will achieve our objectives.

You only had three days with the full squad for training due to National Squad involvements. How much of a problem was it for you to prepare for this game with several important players not available due to National Squad involvements?

I cannot say it wasn't difficult, because I could have preferred to have all the players in the Squad available for training. We had to start working on new principles, because as I told you before, every coach has his own ideas vis-à-vis the players he has. But I can understand that most of our players were called for International Duty and we had to do without them for nearly 10 days.

Can you tell us the conditions of Angus Buhagiar and Shaun Bajada?

Regarding Angus, he started training with the Squad this week and we have to assess his progress till next Friday. Final decision, if he will be available or not vs. Hamrun, will be taken on Friday evening.

Regarding Shaun Bajada's condition - He started a program of running and change of directions, 3 weeks ago, and he joined the Squad for normal full training last Monday. He's doing very well and we're planning to keep working on this program till the 1st week of November, where we're hoping that, if everything goes well, he will be available for selection for League Games, at the 2nd week of November.

What are your comments on the match against Valletta?

The match against Valletta had various episodes. First of all we knew that we were playing against a team with the best squad in the local League. Therefore we had the chance to gauge our potential. During the first half we gave the initiative to our opponents and we looked as we didn't believe we can go forward.

A very positive aspect was the reaction in the second half. There were many positive aspects that we have to keep working on, but we have to work even harder on the negative aspects shown. Obviously I was very disappointed with the result, especially with the way we conceded the goals, but I am quite satisfied with the commitments shown from the players and with some tactical aspects. Still, the road ahead of us is long, very long, and we have to keep working very hard.

We lost the match against Valletta, but several positive factors were shown, how should we look forward?

Positive factors give you the Strength to keep looking forward. We have to strengthen our positives and overcome our negatives. This comes from working hard in training, understanding each other, dedication, commitment and the will to do better every time.

Which was the best department of our squad?

I don't think I can mention the best department, but I think that the best factor was the Defensive Phase, that is, defending as a whole, not leaving spaces for our opponents to play in.

Do you think that this loss can affect the rest of the season? Does this loss mean a change in the club's targets?

No, I don't think this loss can affect the rest of the season. These are still early days in the league. The priority at the moment is to get the Team going again. I strongly believe that repetitive good performances will lead you to results. First short-term objective is to win as many points as possible in the 1st phase, so that we will place the team in the top places of the table. The 2nd phase - The Championship Pool - will have its own story. The Club's targets shall always remain the same. Birkirkara FC is a top Club in Malta, and we should always strive hard to achieve.

What are your comments on the last acquisition, that is Dragan Perisic?

Dragan is a very professional player. He is a very strong defender and has lots of experience. I think he can be very compatible with Rodrigo, and both of them can be our leaders from the back. I'm very satisfied with his performance last Saturday, and I'm sure he can improve as games go by.

What are your comments for the next match?

Our next match vs. Hamrun is very important for us. Hamrun are coming from a morale-boost win against Sliema, and we have to be at our best to beat them and win the three points. I'm looking forward for this game as I am eager to see us improving on our good performance we had against Valletta, and get back on winning ways.

How difficult is it for you and the players to lift your heads, move forward and return to winning ways?

I hope it is not difficult, and I believe it's not. Me and the players, we are used to difficult situations and we should use our expertise and experience to go forward and steer the team to right direction.

Did you expect the attendance from the Birkirkara supporters in the last match? What is your message to them?

We are lucky to have strong hearted supporters. Their support is of utmost importance for us. They are our lungs. We always expect to have a huge crowd at the Stadium, because our supporters keep us going. I have a lot of respect to our Supporters, because most of them are there for the Team every time. Personally, and in the name of all the players, I would like to thank them for their total support and backing.

In my opinion a successful Club must have 3 main ingredients for Success -
(a) a strong Squad + Technical Staff full of potential and will power
(b) a hard working Administration
(c) strong hearted Supporters that can be the 12th player on the pitch

I think we have these, now it's our job to make them work together. Together we can make it. We have to be strong through good and bad times. This Club deserves the best, let's give it what we have best.

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