A happy Paul Zammit (Valletta coach) knew beforehand that his players could be somehow distracted because they had already won the title. He was preoccupied before the match and emphasised to his players the importance of winning to reward their supporters.

Zammit expected a tough challenge from Floriana, well aware of this kind of ‘derby’, knowing that they would do their utmost to spoil their party. An early goal set things right for the new champions.

The Valletta coach said that things turned tougher for his side after Temile’s dismissal before halftime.

“That is what a young player of 17 lacks – experience – in these type of matches. He got sent off and left our team to play with ten men,” Zammit said.

However he was pleased by the way Valletta played tactically in the second half.

Zammit had words of praise to all the other teams’ coaches.

“I must congratulate all coaches who work hard for other teams. I know very well what it entails. In Malta, a coaching job is very difficult” stated Paul Zammit.

Valletta’s objective from now on is preparing for the FA Trophy semi-final. No opponent is easy to beat in such a competition and much depends on the form on the day, added the Valletta mentor.

Danilo Doncic (Floriana coach), who congratulated Valletta for their championship win, said he was pleased with his team’s performance, thinking that his side gave Valletta a good challenge.

Knowing that Valletta would not be 100 per cent focused on the match because of the celebrations, he tried to take advantage of that factor but two silly mistakes from his inexperienced players let them down.

Doncic is looking forward for a re-match with Valletta in the FA Trophy.