"Last week's 5-1 away first leg result means that we have a very difficult task ahead of us when we face Astana in this 2nd leg. The match starts at 0-0 and this is football. Honestly I did not expect this result, but we have to face it. This result derived from an accumulation of factors and mistakes of which I also take responsibility for.
"The difficulties we faced with an ardous long trip to Kazakhastan and the time difference were two of these factors. Still no excuses. We tried our best to play good football playing our normal match. Respect to our opponents Astana - a very good team indeed. Still as we have always done we still beleive in our abilities.
"Let us not forget that we have now played three very competitive rounds in both the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League with a good number of injured casualties and still scored in every leg both home and away," stated Valletta head coach Darren Abdilla ahead of his side's 2nd leg UEFA Europa Cup match against Astana at the National Stadium, Ta' Qali, kick-off: 20:00 Hours.
Abdilla confirmed that goalkeeper Henry Bonello is out through injury. He will in all probabilities be replaced by Yenz Cini.
Valletta captain Ryan Camilleri also confirmed that despite a very difficult match against Astana, he still believed that the Malta champions can produce another good showing in this 2nd leg.
"Yes Astana are a very good side with very good quality players, but as always we will do our best."
On the other hand, Astana head coach Roman Hryhorchuk stated that he was not surprised at all with his side's overwhelming 5-1 1st leg win.
"Not surprised at all with our good result in the 1st leg in Astana. My team was motivated and still want to perform and do well in this 2nd leg against Valletta. I am sure my team will do well again and produce another entertaining match."
Asked if his side are in a position to go forward and reach the Group phase of the competition Hryhorchuk answered that for the moment they are taking each match one after the other and see from there.
"We are only focused on the match against Valletta in Malta for the moment."