Zach Muscat’s dedication is paying off as the talented defender has already become a mainstay in the Akragas rearguard following his January switch from Birkirkara. Kevin Azzopardi spoke to the 22-year-old Malta international...

Early days these may be but Zach Muscat’s stock is on the rise after the Malta defender marked his arrival at Italian Lega Pro club Akragas with a series of strong performances.

It is testament to Muscat’s talent and mental resolve that, in just a few weeks, he has not only adapted to the rigours of professional football but also established himself as a first-choice player at a rejuvenated Akragas who have strengthened their survival chances after winning their last three games.

“It has been a very positive experience so far,” Muscat told Times of Malta yesterday after Akragas lost to Foggia on penalties in the cup competition.

“Although Akragas are a small club, the standards are high. Today, we effectively played with our second team but the level of football was still very good.

“The biggest difference compared to Malta is that here you’re focusing only on football and this helps you to improve.

“I thank God that I’ve come into a team where I was immediately accepted in the dressing room.

“I get on very well with my team-mates, we regularly go out to eat or for a stroll together.

“The atmosphere is very good but it helps that there are many young players in the squad.”

When Muscat left Birkirkara to join Akragas last month, Nicola Legrottaglie was in charge of the team but the former Juventus and Italy defender lost his job after a dismal run.

Pino Rigoli, who took over from Legrottaglie on January 19, sparked an instant revival as Akragas have taken nine points from their last three league outings to put their survival bid back on track.

Muscat was full of praise for Rigoli’s approach.

“The coach is tough and disciplined,” Muscat said. “We have a young squad but he makes sure that all the players are fully focused and committed.

“A coaching change always gives you that extra push in the beginning and Mr Rigoli has certainly made a very positive impact.

“He had already coached here before, so he knew the people and the environment and that was a big plus because he didn’t need a lot of time to settle.”

Akragas are far from safe as they lie fifth from bottom in Group C of the Lega Pro (third tier) but Muscat is upbeat about their prospects of evading the drop.

“Our no.1 target is to retain our Lega Pro status,” the former Birkirkara defender said.

“We are working hard to refine our tactical strategy. We know that we’re not one of the top teams in the league but we also know that we can play football while keeping our tactical discipline.”

In many ways, Muscat’s switch to Akragas was like a leap into the unknown as he had never played outside Malta before but the 22-year-old insisted that he had prepared himself mentally for the change in lifestyle.

“Before I left Malta, I knew that this move also represented an opportunity to live on my own and I tried to prepare myself,” Muscat said. “I’m more independent now as I’m away from my family.

“The experience has certainly lived up to my expectations so far.”

Muscat has signed a short-term deal with Akragas but his bright start is likely to prompt the Sicily-based club to offer him a new contract. Not that Muscat is in a hurry to sign a new deal.

“I’m only concentrating on the championship and our team’s bid to avoid relegation,” he reflected.

“When the situation is more tranquil, we can talk but I’m in no rush to sign because I want to keep my options open.”

Aiming high

While Muscat is happy at Akragas, he aims to play in a better league in the future.

“The Lega Pro is a good starting point,” Muscat said.

“If you have a good game in this division, the word spreads quickly and people start to show interest.

“It also helps that the team is doing well because there is more attention from the media.

“But, as I said, I don’t want to get ahead of myself as I’ve only just arrived here.

“I’m focusing on my game and hopefully, in the future, I will meet the ideal person who helps me to get to a higher level.”

Muscat is no doubt that, with the right attitude, promising Maltese players have what it takes to make the grade in the Lega Pro.

“I’m 100 per cent convinced that Maltese players can prove themselves here because, on a technical and tactical level, we are on a par with those that are already here,” the Malta international said.

“There are also some young Maltese players who can aspire to play at a higher level but it’s the mentality that makes all the difference.

“You have to be prepared to make sacrifices. I mean I get the chance to see my family once a week but the rest of the time, there’s only one thing on my mind… football.

“Even when we have a long, five-hour trip for an away game, we only talk about football matters.”