Argentine midfielder Nicolas Hernan Chiesa’s towering impact on Floriana has strengthened his determination to lead the club to a major honour. Kevin Azzopardi spoke to the new Floriana captain
Floriana coach Luis Oliveira’s decision to award the captain’s armband to a foreign player who arrived at the club in the close season was greeted with a few raised eyebrows but Nicolas Chiesa has more than repaid the Belgian’s faith in the first two months of the 2015/16 Premier League campaign.
Little was known of Chiesa when he, along with a host of other foreign players, signed for Floriana last summer but the nimble Argentine is now regarded as the flagbearer of the Greens’ renewed quest to recapture their status as one of the leading clubs in Maltese football.
The qualities Chiesa brings to his team were in abundant evidence in Saturday’s goalless stalemate with title hopefuls Birkirkara as he combined graft and craft in another man-of-the-match performance.
A 35-year-old journeyman who has had spells in his native Argentina, Romania and Italy, Chiesa immediately felt at home at Floriana.
“I spent nine years in Italy but also played in Argentina and the top league in Romania,” Chiesa told Times of Malta.
“Coming to Malta, I was happy from the outset. I felt at ease being part of this club, the Floriana family, and in my relations with the president (Riccardo Gaucci).
“The fans also made me feel welcome from the start.
“Even my family, my children, are happy here. Malta is a very positive country.”
For many overseas players, a move to Maltese football is like a leap into the dark but that was not the case for Chiesa.
“The thing is I’m mad about football,” Chiesa observed.
“I also follow the leagues in several countries around the world. I knew some things about Maltese football, also because I have a friend who played here in the past.
“The opportunity to come and play in Malta materialised thanks to an agent I know, Angelo Cristofoletti. He is acquainted with Gaucci.
“We discussed the possibility of joining Floriana but I only needed a few days to convince myself to accept this offer as I was tempted by the idea of seeking a new experience in a new country.”
Chiesa was surprised by his rapid elevation to team captain but he’s determined to show that he’s worthy to lead Floriana FC.
“I take my duties very seriously,” Chiesa said.
“Being named captain of Floriana took me by surprise but I was happy to be given this responsibility.
“Every day, I have to give more to honour the armband. I know that Floriana have had some great captains throughout their history and that the armband means a lot because this club is one of the most decorated in Maltese football.
“Floriana haven’t been successful in recent years but the objective of the president is to restore the club’s reputation as one of the most important in the country.
“In my career, I have won six league titles, five in Italy and one in Argentina, second division. I don’t shy away from a challenge.”
More than 22 years have elapsed since Floriana won their 25th and last top-flight title.
At the start of the season, the Greens were not regarded as candidates to win the championship but their performances so far have added weight to suggestions that they can be the dark horses for the title.
They have certainly looked the part as challengers for a top-four finish and qualification for the Europa League as Oliveira’s men are fourth on 20 points, just three behind leaders Balzan.
“Our squad is relatively new,” Chiesa said.
“We found the going tough in the initial weeks of the season. There are many new players, especially foreigners, and we needed some time to adapt.
“But credit goes to Lulu Oliveira and our physical trainer because they continued to work really hard to improve the team and find the right balance.
“In my opinion, there is ample room for improvement but one of the most important things about Floriana FC is that our team is hungry to reach its objectives. This is crucial in football.”
Although these are still early days, Chiesa is eager to stay with Floriana beyond the end of the season.
“My contract is for one year with an option for another,” the former Pisa and Benevento midfielder said.
“I would like to stay with Floriana for many years as my ambition is to help the club make further progress. Gaucci wants to restore the club to where it belongs and I’m willing to contribute.”
The team’s gutsy display in the 0-0 stalemate against Birkirkara will have further reinforced Floriana’s optimism that they can break into the top four this season.
“In a way I was pleased because, when you face a strong team like Birkirkara, you say that a draw would be good result,” Chiesa said.
“Having watched the game again, both teams had their chances but we had more possession. We could have won but a point against Birkirkara is positive.”
Competitive league
Chiesa has been positively impressed with the level of the BOV Premier League.
“The football here is very competitive,” Chiesa said.
“The championship is balanced and the majority of the teams are well-deployed.
“The level is quite high.
“There are a number of teams who play good football and others that are less entertaining to watch but are strong physically.
“All the games are very demanding and competitive. The domestic championship will continue to grow in the coming years.
“And it’s not just the foreigners who are making the difference. The Maltese players in our team are strong, people like Emanuel Briffa, Clyde Borg, Steve Pisani, Jurgen Pisani and Matthew Calleja Cremona.
“The other clubs also have good local players.”
At 35, Chiesa is in the twilight of his career but he doesn’t see age as an impediment as he is determined to keep playing for many more years.
“I still have ambitions,” Chiesa said. “I’m 35 years old but for me that is just a detail on the documents as I feel a lot younger and that shows in the way I work.
“I want to try and win honours with Floriana, this season or the next, obviously if I’m still here.
“I want to continue playing football as long as possible because it’s in my DNA to strive to improve every day.”