I could never turn my back on Floriana, says Potenza

Vincenzo Potenza has issued a rallying cry to the Floriana players to ensure they can turn around the club’s fortunes this season after the Italian mentor was handed the reins of the team for a second time yesterday.

The Greens yesterday re-appointed Potenza as their first-team coach just less than two months from his resignation late last year.

The Greens were on the look-out for a new first-team coach after last week John Buttigieg, the man who had taken over the reins of the team following the departure of Potenza, had decided to resign in the aftermath of the team’s elimination from the FA Trophy to Sta Lucia.

In a statement, Floriana FC said that they are confident that the former Senglea Athletic coach will be able to re-inject much needed self-belief into the players as they look to climb up the standings.

“Enzo Potenza has returned to Floriana FC as Head Coach for the rest of the 2020-21 season,” the club said in a statement.

“Potenza needs absolutely no introduction to Maltese football. Following a successful spell with Senglea Athletic FC, the Italian tactician had joined Floriana FC in summer 2019 and led the club through an impressive Premier League campaign to be crowned champions for the 26th time.

“The club is convinced that, through his leadership and excellent skills in football management, the Italian Coach has all it takes to re-instill confidence in our players and put the team back where it belongs.

“On behalf of Floriana FC we would like to wish the best of luck to Coach Enzo Potenza.”

The Greens are currently hovering dangerously above the relegation spots as they are 12th in the standings on 23 points, and currently sitting on the play-out spot.

Contacted by The Times of Malta after conducting his first training session since his re-appointment, Potenza said that he could never turn down the chance to return to Floriana, particularly now that the club is in such a difficult situation.

“I would have never turned my back on Floriana FC, as the club means a lot to me,” Potenza told The Times of Malta.

“With the team in such a difficult situation in the Premier League standings, I couldn’t say no. Obviously, in this situation I have a lot to lose given the circumstances but when Johann Said approached me and asked me to take over the team I felt that I couldn’t say no.”

Last week, Potenza had said that he would only accept to return to Floriana if some issues are tackled by the Floriana FC hierarchy. Asked whether he saw a change in the approach at the club, “Things look different, yes,” the former Senglea Athletic coach said.

“Everyone at the club is pushing in the same direction and everyone is behind our players which is very important.

“Obviously, we need time to see how far the club has improved in terms of set-up but at the moment the most important thing is to ensure that the team starts to pick up points regularly to ensure its placing in the Premier League, everything else is not a priority.”

Potenza said that hard work was key for Floriana if they are to move up the table.

“The players and the technical staff have to understand that it’s our responsibility that we have this position in the standings and it’s imperative that everyone pulls up his socks and starts working hard as that is the only way for us to move out of this difficult situation,” Potenza said.

“This team has all the qualities to improve its performances and climb the table and now it’s time for the players to show much they love this club.

“For us this is the moment of truth and everyone needs to
deliver.”