Agius - Perfection and positive attitude are key against Slovakia

Malta U21 Team on Tuesday face a very strong Slovakia side in Nitra as the boys will be vying to build on the quality performance three days before in Alytus in a narrow 2-1 defeat against Lithuania. On Monday evening the team executed one final session as the spirits are high ahead of these 90 minutes albeit against a daunting side boasting some quality players like midfielder Martin Svidersky who plays his trade with the U23 side of Manchester United. Coach Gilbert Agius spoke ahead of this match at the Stadion pod Zoborom in Nitra, mindful this is a tough match against a very well organised and physical side who will be looking to bounce following their undeserved defeat the Slovakian side suffered 3-2 against Spain last week. He stressed, “Technically our opponents here on Tuesday are very strong, we will be looking to maintain momentum when it comes to our outing in Lithuania, I am positive in my players, we have to perform to perfection and do our best in the 90 minutes on Tuesday hopeful to return back home with a commendable performance and a positive result. Coach Agius declared that it's all about performing well and give over hundred per cent when permittable during the 90 minutes on Tuesday if there is belief we maintain a chance to secure a positive result. Aleandro Garzia suffered a slight injury in Lithuania therefore he’s not fully fit, if not available Karl Mohnani is likely to take his place as right wing-back after the Melita defender came in strong as a 57th minute substitute in Lithuania. Coach Gilbert Agius said, “The Floriana player (Garzia) is making good progress in his recovery as he’s nursing this injury from last match, on Sunday and on this Match Day-1 practise session he's performed well in training with the rest of the group, we will keep monitoring his progress ahead of final decision on whether he will be included or not for this match on Tuesday. On the return to the Malta U21 Team of versatile Alex Satariano, coach Agius maintained that Alex gave a profound boost to all the camp. “His presence also during training in the past few days could be felt, his personality and eagerness to work even harder and keep raising his standards has been noticed and truly inspiring also for the rest of the group". Coach Gilbert Agius is pondering on an offensive formation albeit against this strong side with a 3-4-3 starting eleven tactical shape on the cards with Satariano joining Mattia Veselji and Jake Engerer up front. Agius highlighted, “We always try and maintain same tactical shape, the only change is in personnel we have at our disposal, we look into the physical and mental attitude of the players during this final practise session on Monday upon decision-making on starting eleven come Tuesday”. Slovakia against Malta, this UEFA European Under21 Championship Group C Qualifier in Nitra on Tuesday at 4.30pm (Malta time), rounding off this long and hectic international October window for the boys and staff and ahead of return back home early on Wednesday afternoon.