
Valletta coach Danilo Doncic is banking on the team’s spirit and determination as the Citizens will be looking to defy the odds and upset neighbours Floriana in Sunday’s FA Trophy final.
Valletta are coming into this final following a rather low-key season which saw them drop into the Play-Out group.
However, this final represents for them a great opportunity to not only end the season in style with a major piece of silverware but more importantly secure European football next season.
Coach Danilo Doncic described this game as Valletta’s biggest of the season.
“In football, we always say that every game is important, but this is one is a very important game for us as we are still not qualified for European football,” the Serbian coach said.
“When I came here last February, I found a team that had not won a match for three months and that is not acceptable for a club like Valletta. But slowly I worked hard from a psychological point of view with the players to try and lift the morale and restore some confidence.
“Slowly the team improved and after securing our status in the Premier League we also managed to reach the final of the FA Trophy. Now the goal is clear – to win the final and go into Europe as well.”
Doncic said that one positive aspect shown by his team in recent weeks was the great character on the pitch, as shown in the semi-final win over Sta Lucia, where the team had to show great resilience before managing to overcome their opponents for a place in the final.
“The semi-final against Sta Lucia was a clear example of the great bond that exists among our players,” Doncic said.
“We faced a very good team in Sta Lucia who put on us a lot of pressure. But the players remained united not only on the pitch but also on the bench and thanks to the huge support of our fans – which are always our 12th player on the pitch – we managed to reach the final.
“On Sunday, I expect a big ‘festa’ as matches between Valletta and Floriana always attract a huge crowd.
“I am sure both teams will show their qualities but I have no doubt that my players will give more than 100 per cent to try and win the match and hopefully we can return to the capital with the FA Trophy in our hands.”
Author

World Cup News
-
Football
/ 4 weeks agoQatar splits with coach Sanchez after World Cup defeats
World Cup hosts Qatar announced Friday that national coach Felix Sanchez had been let...
By AFP -
Football
/ 1 month agoJapan coach Moriyasu staying on after World Cup
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu will stay in his job after leading the Samurai Blue...
By AFP -
Football
/ 1 month agoFrench minister calls Argentina ‘inelegant winners’
French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera on Friday accused Argentine players of being “inelegant winners”...
By AFP -
Football
/ 1 month agoEngland World Cup winner Cohen dead at 83
George Cohen,the right-back in England’s 1966 World Cup-winning team, has died aged 83, his...
By AFP

Horse Racing
First win of the season for Azur Des Caillons

BOV Premier League
Nine-man Valletta hold Floriana in derby clash

English Premier League
Newcastle sign Everton forward Anthony Gordon

BOV Premier League
Ħamrun Spartans cruise past Sirens to edge closer to title

Winter Olympics
Watch: Geisenberger wins sixth Olympic medal to tie luge record
