Farrugia exudes optimism as U-21s aim to maintain positive trend

Malta U-21 have exceeded expectations by collecting four points from their opening two UEFA U-21 Group Two qualifiers in Finland and Lithuania but coach Ray ‘Żażu’ Farrugia is adamant that his players will not rest on their laurels.

Farrugia is banking on the Maltese fans to inspire his boys to further success as the U-21s will make their first home appearance in this qualifying campaign this evening when they take on Slovenia in Corradino.

On Tuesday, Malta U-21 host Finland at the same venue.

“We have started this qualifying trek on a positive note,” Farrugia told reporters at a well-attended pre-match news conference at the Corinthia Marina Hotel yesterday.

“Finland and Lithuania away were two difficult games but the players gave their all. We’re looking forward to the next two home qualifiers.

“We have two problems as Rowen Muscat has been unwell and Leighton Grech is feeling some pain in his hamstring.

“Nevertheless, we’re enthusiastic about the next two games and we hope that the Maltese people will come to support our team.”

Ronald Vella, the Malta U-21 assistant coach, echoed Farrugia’s words.

“Back in February, everyone said that we had been drawn in a very difficult group but we have gained four points from the first two games,” he said.

“The players did a great job in those two games but we can’t stop here. We were unknowns ahead of our first two matches but those results mean that our opponents will take us more seriously now.

“This is another hurdle we have to surpass but I’m confident that this team can achieve more points.”

While hailing the unstinting backing of MFA technical director Robert Gatt, who was present for yesterday’s news conference, Farrugia reaffirmed his willingness to play an attacking game.

“Yes, it’s a tough group but I never give up,” Farrugia said.

“Robert Gatt has been very supportive, he’s doing everything he can to help us and this is another reason behind this team’s progress.

“Some of the players thought I was dreaming when I set out my targets. This is my philosophy. I want my team to attack and score.”

Farrugia caused a few eyebrows to be raised when he revealed that his determination to lead his team to a positive campaign had been strengthened by what he termed as a negative comment from former Malta coach Dusan Fitzel after the qualifying draw in Nyon.

Farrugia said: “I told the players that I expected at least six points from this group but I must say that I was disappointed by something that happened after the draw.

“Dusan Fitzel, the former national coach, said these words to me: ‘very difficult group, no chance for points’. I was disappointed but replied that only time will tell whether he’s correct or not.”

Farrugia is expected to wait until this afternoon before naming his starting XI as he wants to give Birkirkara duo Muscat and Grech every chance to prove their fitness.

In the event that Muscat and Grech are out, they are likely to be replaced by Mark Scerri, back in the fray after serving a two-match ban, and Steve Pisani, respectively.

On-loan Marsaxlokk striker Jean Paul Farrugia is also available after recovering from injury.

The Malta U-21 coach is aware that his team’s excellent start has increased the players’ confidence but he struck a cautious note.

“Those two results can’t be erased, they are part of the history of our football but they are in the past,” Farrugia said.

“We must look ahead and strive to maintain the positive trend.

­“The players know that they are expected to give more than their 100 per cent and play from the heart because they are representing their country.”

Slovenia, Malta’s opponents today, began their qualifying trek with a 1-0 win away to Lithuania but lost by the same scoreline in Finland last month.

“Slovenia have a good team,” Farrugia said.

“Rene Khrin, who joined Bologna from Inter, is their best player. They also have Kevin Krampl, of Bayer Leverkusen. He is very dangerous.

“But, we also have talented players with good technique so I’m confident of a good result.”

Fielding a question about his personal ambitions beyond the end of the 2013 UEFA U-21 qualifying campaign, Farrugia replied: “I’m a happy man. I’m focused on these qualifiers which end in September 2012. Then we will see.”

Confident

Malta U-21 players Mark Scerri and Matthew Gauci are upbeat about the team’s chances of extending their positive start.

“Our next five qualifiers are at home and we hope to gain more points,” Scerri said.

“We want to turn in a good performance and the results will hopefully come.”

Gauci said: “We’re preparing for these two games like we did for the first two away qualifiers. We’re very excited and we believe that we are capable of getting good results.

“Strong support from the Maltese fans in our next two games would be greatly appreciated.”

Scerri acknowledged that Farrugia’s upbeat mentality is rubbing off on the players.

“The coach believes in us and that is a boost because we’re no longer afraid of our opponents,” Scerri said.

“It’s important to feel confident and have faith in your team-mates.”

Today’s UEFA U-21 game between Malta and Slovenia is being shown live on TVM/Education 22, a first for Maltese football.

Malta U-21 (probable):
S. Sultana, Z. Muscat, O. Bugeja, M. Scerri/R. Muscat, L. Grech/S. Pisani, T. Vella, Y. Camilleri, C. Borg, B. Kristensen, M. Gauci, T. Caruana.

Referee: A. Kuchin (Kazakhstan).

Kick-off: 7 p.m., Hibs Ground.