'Our clubs have a lot to learn before making the grade' - Edward Aquilina

Sliema Wanderers coach Edward Aquilina reckons that Maltese clubs still have a lot to learn before making the grade in European club competitions.

Aquilina was speaking after his side's 4-1 defeat to FC Copenhagen in Denmark on Wednesday night. The Wanderers, after a bright start to the match at the Parken Stadium, collapsed following a fatal four first-half minute spell during which the Danish champions scored two quick goals which eventually steered them to a comfortable win.

Sliema had little pressure on them on Wednesday... more was expected of FC Copenhagen. However, the visitors were the most dangerous side early on. Aquilina's aggressive game plan had left his opponents struggling to get into the match so much so that coach Hans Backe had already ordered his substitutes to warm up with a clear intention of changing his strategy which was clearly not functioning.

But then the flashy South African Sibusio Zuma, as well as some sloppy Sliema defending, enabled the Danish champions to score twice, between the 23rd and 27th minutes, to kill the Maltese team's aspirations.

Zuma scored a brilliant goal and Thomas Roll converted a penalty before Todi Jonsson, our old acquaintance from the Faroes Islands, hit a third after Peter Nielsen had profited from a Sliema erratic pass in midfield to put his colleague through past a static defence.

"The match at the Parken Stadium was a clear picture of what our teams lack before making the grade to such high profile competitions," Aquilina said.

"True, I was very impressed with the effort put in by my players in the first 20 minutes. We had them struggling with our offensive tactics. At times, FC Copenhagen looked confused. However, as it has been customary for our clubs we then threw away the match in those four minutes midway through the half. That completely changed the course of the match.

"When playing at this level and against such organised opposition you cannot afford any kind of distractions. I was really disappointed for the way we conceded the second and third goals in particular. The penalty could have been avoided. Then, just before the break, we gifted them with a third goal. Our possession play at that moment was poor."

There were still some positive aspects from Wednesday's match, though.

"I think not all was gloom as the final scoreline may suggest," he said.

"In those opening 20 minutes the team showed great personality and true character. We were passing the ball with confidence and created a couple of good chances as well. Even after the break, despite trailing by three goals, the players kept believing that they could score and our perseverance was rewarded. Doncic was quick to bury the ball into the net six minutes into the second half," Aquilina remarked.

"But, FC Copenhagen taught us a great lesson in finishing. When expected most to trouble our goalkeeper, in the opening stages, they hardly had a shot on goal. However, in a space of a few minutes their forwards were presented with three good chances and converted two of them.

"At this level you must make the most of the chances that come your way... unfortunately, we simply failed to do that."

Aquilina's decision to substitute the industrious Daniel Bogdanovic with Nenad Veselji, just after the former had set up Danilo Doncic to score his goal, had raised a few eyebrows.

In the opinion of many, Bogdanovic was having a great match for the Blues as his darting runs were causing problems to the slow FC Copenhagen rearguard.

"The decision to substitute Daniel with Nenad was a simple tactical one," Aquilina explained. "Even though Bogdanovic was having a good match he was losing possession frequently and I thought his replacement could be more productive for us in that aspect.

"In the end, I think I effected that substitution a little bit too early. Nenad has just returned from a long-term injury and clearly needs more time to regain his sharpness. However, it was my mistake and I take full responsibility for that decision."

Aquilina admitted that FC Copenhagen are almost certain of a place in the next round. Now, his main objective, ahead of Wednesday's second leg at the National Stadium, was to finish off with a satisfactory result.

"It would be highly unrealistic to say Sliema can overturn this tie. Obviously, this is football and anything can happen but it's very unlikely. Stefan Giglio got a third yellow card and is out serving suspension for the second leg. That is a huge loss for the team but there's nothing we can do about that," he said.

"We should now seek to finish our Euro commitments on a good note. I think, all in all, we had a good performance in the Champions League this season and want to give our fans something to cheer about on Wednesday."