Floriana vs Marsaxlokk

Seasoned campaigner Richard Buhagiar, 31, has been a key figure in the heart of Marsaxlokk's defence this season, prompting suggestions that he could earn a belated recall to the national squad. Steve Wellman, the young Floriana striker-turned-defender, has also caught the eye and is currently 'on trial' with the national team. The two candidates for a slot in the Maltese squad came head-to-head last weekend.

1. Marsaxlokk, Pietà Hotspurs and Floriana are vying to earn a passage to one of the UEFA competitions. Who are your favourites?

Richard Buhagiar (Marsaxlokk): Marsaxlokk... actually our ambition is to finish first or second.

Steve Wellman (Floriana): Marsaxlokk.

2. Marsaxlokk beat Floriana 2-1 on Saturday. Were they worthy winners?

RB: Perhaps a draw would have been a fair result but overall, I think we were the better team.

SW: In the first half, we held the upperhand but they snatched the lead in their first attack of the game. I think the result was harsh on us...a draw would have done justice to both teams.

3. Floriana may not have been ranked among the favourites for a top-six place but their performances vindicate their position. Are you surprised with their progress?

RB: I'm surprised with their march to a Championship Pool berth because initially I expected Msida St Joseph or Valletta to finish in the top six. Having said that, I think Floriana have done extremely well and their young players deserve credit for their efforts.

SW: Determination is the key to our progress this season. Cynics were negative about our chances of a top six berth but that only served to increase our motivation. I believe we have matured a lot as a team. I was always confident that we will do something this year.

4. Football is dogged by a financial crisis and yet Marsaxlokk have spent tens of thousands of liri on new players. Is this good or bad for Maltese football?

RB: There is a shortage of money in football but in Malta there are four individuals who put their hands in their own pockets to bolster their clubs. Had it not been for the ambition of these gentlemen, I doubt whether most of our clubs would have survived.

Our president Victor Sciriha has invested a lot in this team but I believe it's been worth it.

Marsaxlokk have not bought run-of-the-mill players who may or may not make the difference, we have drafted in established players who have already shown their mettle.

SW: The finances of many clubs have deteriorated in recent years.

In Malta, clubs are also facing huge financial problems but Marsaxlokk have been spending big lately and that's why they are positioned so high in the table. It's good to have clubs with some financial muscle but at the same time, this only increases the gap between the rich and the poor.

5. Richard Buhagiar and Steve Wellman, two attacking-minded players transformed into central defenders. How did this change come about?

RB: My familiar position up to a few years ago was wing-back. When I was younger, I was stronger and faster which made me a natural wide player. I could still play on the flank but over the last two years, I have switched to a more defensive position as libero or stopper.

I think it's the best decision I could make. I remember there was one occasion with the Malta team when I had to fill in at centre half because we had so many injured players.

With Floriana, I also played some games in central defence but it's at Marsaxlokk that I have established myself as a libero or central defender.

SW: At my former club Zurrieq, I used to play as a striker but with the youth national teams, I was deployed at the back because of our tendency to concentrate on defence rather than attack.

When I moved to Floriana, I was still regarded as a striker but as time went by, my first-team chances diminished significantly. That spurred me to seek a new position and I'm glad to have taken the challenge.

6. Of all the roles you have assumed on the pitch, which one do you regard as the most difficult?

RB: Believe me, being a flank player is very hard because you are always going up and down the length of the pitch. A wide role is very demanding, physically.

SW: Playing as a central midfielder is a very tough job. You have to be very strong and super fit to keep up with the tempo of the game because in the middle, you are always in the thick of things.

7. Do you agree with the policy adopted by the national coaches of constantly changing players according to domestic form?

RB: Yes, I agree that in-form players be given the chance to play for the national team but to be honest, I was quite surprised to read certain names of players who have been called up to the squad lately.

In my opinion, there are others who have shown great form in recent months but are not part of the squad. Moreover, I get this impression that talented players who are known to have a difficult character are either being overlooked or axed from the squad.

SW: This new policy is a positive step. Before, we had a situation where the national teams were run like a local club as you had virtually the same group of players training together for three days a week. Now it's different as players who are doing well at club level are also getting a chance to be in the national squad.

8. Taking into consideration your recent performances, do you feel you deserve a place in the national squad?

RB: When I joined Marsaxlokk, my priority was to revive my club career. My performances last season were good and at the start of this term, I told my president that I wanted to get back into the national team. I have been doing my part for the team and I think I deserve my chance now, especially when I look at some of the players who have been roped in the national squad this season.

SW: I recently joined the national squad for a trial period and frankly, I was surprised with my call-up as it came earlier than I anticipated.

I don't know if I will stay there long but I'm glad to have been granted this opportunity. At this stage, I can only say that I am quite satisfied with my performances for my club.

9. How do you see Malta's chances of gaining some points in Group Eight of the World Cup 2006 preliminary competition?

RB: There are some difficult teams in the group but we can aspire to get some points off Hungary and Iceland, I guess. The others seem to be beyond our reach but I know that Malta are very talented at springing surprises when least expected.

SW: Nations like Sweden and Bulgaria are the favourites but the others are also strong. It's always difficult to compete against these nations because of our limited resources but I believe we have a good possibility of getting some points, especially in away games where the atmosphere and the predictions of a defeat are sure to stimulate the Maltese players.

10. Maltese football seems to have lost much of its appeal, judging by the poor attendances this season. What went wrong?

RB: There are many factors but I am very upset by the lack of atmosphere at our stadia. Ultra-stringent security measures have virtually abolished support from the stands because fans are not being allowed to show their emotions.

SW: The current format could be one of the main reasons behind this lack of interest from the fans. In the first phase, many supporters do not bother to go to the stadium because crunch time starts in February. From our club's point-of-view, it could be a case that our fans lose their interest because they feel that the team has already accomplished its mission now that we are in the top six.

11. Was there a moment in your career when you felt you had hit rock bottom?

RB: My last few months with Floriana were blighted with difficulties. I was so dispirited that I thought my career was over.

Then Marsaxlokk officials Sciriha and Peter Hartshorne, offered me the chance to join their club. Before they approached me, I was really thinking about quitting the game but I'm delighted to have taken the challenge offered by Marsaxlokk.

SW: If my situation at Floriana did not change this season, I think I would have already retired. That may come as a surprise but I said to myself... I am 21 years old and I cannot break into a Premier League side in Malta, so what's the point in continuing?

I am relieved to have switched to a defensive role because it gave me a new lease of life. This turnaround in my fortunes has given me a real lift and has rekindled my passion for football.

12. Who are the most influential figures in your career?

RB: Tony Grech Sant and Neville Fenech, both former Floriana officials, and Victor Sciriha, the Marsaxlokk boss.

SW: Growing up, Carmel Busuttil and John Buttigieg were my role models but I have been mostly impressed by the attitude of David Carabott. I have also learnt something from every coach I worked with, especially Ray 'Zazu' Farrugia. His approach makes you more confident and more determined to reach your goals.

Mark Miller is also very good as a trainer.

13. Do you regret any decision?

RB: More than a decision, I regret being a bit 'naughty' during my time with the national squad. There were times when I did not fully understand my responsibilities as a player.

SW: There isn't any particular decision that I regret.

14. What is the funniest thing you have done in your life?

RB: That's a good one (laughing). I was in Spain with the national team when I ran straight into the hotel's door. Representatives of my kit sponsors had just arrived and someone called me in my room. I had to do everything in a hurry. As the hotel had automatic sliding doors, I dashed towards the exit, assuming that the sensor would detect me, but it didn't. It was like a head-on collision. Needless to say what reaction my mishap caused.

SW: Hard to remember... once we were overseas with the U-17 national team. As someone had brought a videocamera, we decided to make a funny video about our trip, featuring interviews with the doctors, players and coaches.

15. Is there a local club which, for whatever reason, you would never join?

RB: Sliema Wanderers...I am disappointed with the way they acted towards me in the January transfer window.

SW: No one in particular... maybe Mellieha because of the relatively long distance from my home to that village in the north.

16. What are your targets this season?

RB: I wish to be recalled to the national squad and win a major honour with Marsaxlokk.

SW: I am looking to maintain and improve my level of performances in my new role. Hopefully, I will also keep my place in the national squad because every player has an ambition to represent his country.