Team News – Away vs Floriana 07-07-26
Kick off in Malta is at 1830 Irish time on Tuesday. Stephen Bradley spoke to shamrockrovers.ie ahead of the Champions League Qualifying Round 1 tie.
After being behind at half time, we overcame Sligo Rovers 2-1 on Friday night. It was good to go into European action with those three points.
“It was important. I think we know from previous experiences in Europe that your league game before Europe is an important game because you don’t play in the league for some time. So we knew Friday was an important game and also that it’d be a difficult game. It was an important win at an important time of the season.”
You made four half time changes, was that a reaction to the first half performance or did being one behind force your hand a bit?
“It was a bit of both, there were certain aspects we weren’t happy with. As I said after the game, we came away from the game plan a bit at times and that was hurting us rather than helping us. I felt the changes made us stronger and gave us real energy and quality in the game.”
So we head to Malta for a Champions League qualifier against Floriana. What can we expect to see from Floriana?
“They’re a good team. In terms of their first eleven, there’s been a lot of changes in their squad in the few weeks. Alot of players have left and they’ve signed some Argentinian and Brazilian players around Europe. So we don’t know as a team what that looks like, but we know they’ve brought in some good individuals. We watched a lot of their football from last season, their identity and getting a feel for them and the Manager’s philosophy. Even with the changes, it’s clear to see how they want to play. They’re strong, their centre forward is a really good player so they’re a good team.”
Pico Lopes and Cape Verde’s World Cup adventure ended early Saturday morning after a thrilling and brave 3-2 extra time defeat to Argentina in the last 32. To go unbeaten over 90 minutes with two clean sheets in their four games was a remarkable performance by Cape Verde with our Pico front and centre of all the games.
“It’s been incredible. I don’t think people understand, or maybe they do, just what it takes to do that. The whole country was behind Pico which is really special to see and for him and his family. Cape Verde played against top, top opposition and looked so comfortable in that environment. It felt to me against Argentina, especially when they went behind that they allowed themselves to breathe and play the game. You saw the qualities of Cape Verde as an attacking team, which we would know from having seen them over the years by watching Pico. For me, looking at it from the outset and speaking with Pico yesterday, they felt that after Argentina scored, there was a bit of freedom to go and play the game, let the shackled off and show people they’re not just defensively strong, that they’re a good team. They showed that in abundance, each and every one of them can be so proud of what they’ve done. What they have achieved will have a knock-on effect in Cape Verde for a long time to come. Similar to when you go back to the Jack Charlton era here, when Ireland qualified, there was a knock-on effect on people. They’re gutted to be out but it was a special time for them. Pico was incredible. I thought against Argentina, he was top level in terms of that we know he can defend, but on the ball, where he has improved so much, his play on the ball especially from second half on, was as good as you’ll see. If Pico was 24, I think we’d be getting ten million for him!”
Who is unavailable for Floriana?
“Danny Grant, Dan Cleary and Victor Ozhianvuna remain injured. We are waiting on the doctor’s clearance for Danny Mandroiu to return but he’s almost there and Gary O’Neill is back training.”
