Ħamrun Spartans coach Giacomo Modica said that for tonight’s match against Samsunspor, his players must be brave, and more than brave, they must be extra careful and intelligent. How to face this encounter.
Modica made these comments during the MD-1 obligatory press conference held at the Samsun 19 Mayis Stadium, just before the team’s official training session, which lasted just over an hour.
The training session was purely used for the players to get accustomed to the natural grass surface of the €35 million state of the art stadium.
Ħamrun Spartans are in Turkey with a full squad, and during the conference, coach Giacomo Modica said he wants to see the same enthusiasm and determination shown in the team’s first two matches of this competition. He emphasized that the team cannot continue playing attractive football and excelling only in attack, it’s now time to score goals as well.
“We’ve been lacking in front of goal. We need to be more decisive. It’s unacceptable not to score. At this level, no one is going to take pity on you,” said Modica.
Ħamrun Spartans are coming off fromtwo narrow 1-0 defeats in the competition, against Jagiellonia in Poland and Lausanne Sport at Ta’ Qali in Malta.
Modica expressed his satisfaction at having Joseph Mbong back in the squad, describing him as a very useful player for the team. He said that the squad needs to deliver a great performance against a very strong side like Samsunspor.
“I’m happy that Joseph is back in the team after having missed the Lausanne due to suspension, an extra weapon for us. Tomorrow, we face a very strong side. We must give more than 100%. We have great respect for Samsunspor, but we’re not as weak as some might think,” the Ħamrun Spartans coach said.
Also speaking at the press conference was Ognjen Bjelicic, the Serbian player for Ħamrun Spartans, who apart from being a central defender, has recently been used by Modica as a midfielder.
Bjelicic said that he and his teammates are fully focused on this match and are eager to perform well. He noted that the team needs to start scoring because if they keep missing chances at this level, it will mean elimination.
“We’re fully focused. Maximum concentration. We know that Samsunspor are a great team, and we have to give our very best,” said the Serbian player.
