Belief drives Valletta forwards

Valletta FC may have lost the home leg of their UEFA Champions League first qualifying round tie 2-0 to FC Artmedia Petržalka, but Malta international defender Josef Mifsud insists spirits are high as the Maltese champions prepare for Wednesday's return in the Slovakian capital.

'Good performance'
"I feel we put up a very good performance in the first leg against Artmedia," Mifsud told uefa.com. "We had our chances in the first half but we did not make use of them, and yet again we were punished by goals from set-pieces. Still, we're looking forward to the second leg in Slovakia with high spirits.

'Great side'
"Everyone was pleased with the way we tackled the Slovakian champions and, who knows, perhaps we can get an early goal in Slovakia and make life difficult for our opponents," he added. "But, of course, Artmedia are a great side even if they didn't impress me that much in the first leg. It's also worth noting that eleven Maltese players took the field in that game, confirmation that the new local signings have already made an impact on the side."

Optimism
The 23-year-old Mifsud was a local signing himself this time last summer. He made his first appearance for the club on 27 August, just five days after his international debut. Having played a significant role in helping Valletta to the title last term, he is confident there will be more silverware to come this season. "At Valletta, we are all looking forward to next season and ready to win all the honours available: the title, the FA Trophy and the Super Cup," he said.

New signings
Valletta have been busy in the off season, signing Malta internationals Luke Dimech from Macclesfield Town FC, Jamie Pace and Cleavon Frendo from Marsaxlokk FC, Edmond Agius from Hibernians FC and Cameroonian Njongo Priso from Msida St Joseph FC. The club have, however, bid goodbye to key players Frank Temile, who has joined FC Dynamo Kyiv, and Argentinian striker Omar Sebastián Monesterolo who has signed for AEK Larnaca FC.

Marsaxlokk threat
Brian Talbot's Marsaxlokk still look the most likely challengers to Valletta's crown, despite losing two players to their rivals. They have strengthened over the summer with the arrivals of Brazilian Marcelo Pereira (Mqabba FC), Argentinian striker Julio Alcorsé (Hibernians), Christian Cassar (Floriana FC), Malta international defender Brian Said (Sliema Wanderers FC) and goalkeeper Saviour Darmanin (Valletta) to give their fans reason for optimism.