For me a match against Valletta is like a final - Trevor Cilia

by Ayrton Galea - 14th October 2011

Next Saturday Birkirkara will be involved in the much awaited match against Valletta. This time we picked up Birkirkara's number 7, the International midfielder; Trevor Cilia to share his views with us.

Birkirkara returned to winning ways against Marsaxlokk thanks to a 2-1 win. Trevor's comments about this match were, "It was a game that we needed to win at all costs because we wanted to collect points. I think we played well, and in the end it was a deserved win.”

In the last two matches there was a good improvement from all the squad thanks to a collective effort. When asked if the squad could build on these performances, Cilia commented, "From game to another there was an improvement, but we were still not playing well enough to win with, as everyone wishes. I think that in these fifteen days that there were no local competitive games, the Coach worked on the weaknesses that there were and we hope to see an improvement. "

After Angus had to be replaced due to an injury, the coach for the match against Marsaxlokk, Mr. Peter Pullicino asked Trevor to change his role. Trevor told us, "Due to circumstances that happened throughout the game, the coach told me to fall to the right back position. It's not my favorite position because I know that my qualities are more suitable to attack than to defend but since the team needed me there, I did a sacrifice and tried to do my best. "

Many might be of the opinion that Trevor's performances were acceptable but there's still a room for improvement. Trevor agrees with this as his reply was, "I think that my performances weren't bad but I always expect to be better. I always did what the coach asked me to do. I'm satisfied but I know that I can always be better.”

Without any doubt, Birkirkara's position in the league standings is below the supporters expectations. The players are not happy with this position too, and Trevor confirms it, "As far as league standings go I think we're in a position that we are not happy with. We're still in the beginning and we want to collect as much points as we can so that we don't drift too far from the leading teams. Due to our league format, once the points are split you're in the race for the honours.”

The game against Valletta is round the corner. How is the squad preparing for this game? And what does a match against Valletta mean to Trevor ? Trevor explains, "The coach is working a lot on the tactics for this game and he is showing us exactly what he wants from us. We're well prepared for this. We know the strength of Valletta but we're not worse than them. The best team on the day will win. For me the match against Valletta is like a final. Not because matches against other teams are not important but with the teams I have played for there was always rivalry with Valletta. This thing it's in my blood and I will be waiting for this game more than other games.”

Finally Trevor concluded this interview with a message for the supporters. "My message to the supporters is to back us throughout the match like the Ultras do, especially if things are not going as we wish. Join the Ultras in their chants and support because they fill us with a great courage. The supporter is the twelfth player on the pitch. We know that Valletta have good supporters and we want ours be like them or better, because that translates to courage for us. Let's hope that there will be a good attendance from our side so that with a collective effort we try to bring the three points to Birkirkara.”

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