U21 Team – Mental approach key ahead of Russia test

It’s a common saying in football and in all sports that you’re only as good as your last performance, and that is one of the key elements that Malta Under21 Coach Gilbert Agius is trying to instil in his players ahead of this tough encounter on Tuesday in Khimki against Russia. Needless to say, Russia are very strong.  The started on the wrong foot in this competition, after being beaten 4-1 in Spain.  Incidentally the same score line for the Malta U21 Team in their unbelievable Friday victory over Northern Ireland. However without forgetting the boys' achievement on Friday, Gilbert Agius want the lads to momentarily forget this result and focus on the next encounter.  He expects them to face Russia on Tuesday with a different approach and mentality.   Gilbert Agius affirmed, “The weather contrast should also be kept in mind.  From the intensive 90 minutes in 35 degrees on Friday at home to 5 degrees and chilly weather here in Moscow, where we play on natural grass.  A striking difference to our preparations back home on the synthetic surface during this international window.  These could be seen as small issues but for the players make a lot of difference." “We’ve been fully focused on Tuesday’s match since Saturday.  Way back before our departure from Malta.  As already said, the Russia match is completely different.  It is the second match in four days."    Agius added, “The boys trained at 7am on Sunday before our departure from Malta, to be prepared for the the task ahead.  We had to check on the physical condition of a couple of players who suffered knocks in the N.Ireland’s win.  We are monitoring the situation to ensure that we line up with possibly the best eleven on Tuesday at the Khimki Arena, when facing this Russian side who will be surely firing on all cylinders in the 90 minutes against us." “We have analysed the games of our opponents.  The players also had the opportunity to witness the attributes that our opponents possess.  We still have one final session, which is also an opportunity to familiarize with the pitch on Monday evening.   The team will surely give its 100% and then see how the game develpps”, Malta U21 Coach Gilbert Agius concluded.