sport: interview

Blues need more willpower

A fervent Sliema supporter who played most of his career with eternal rivals Floriana, Hughie Caruana was recently named Sliema Wanderers new assistant coach. Today, he speaks to RAY ABDILLA about his past and about his new post.

How did you become a football fan?
In my youth there was a craze for football everywhere. In Gzira, where I used to live, all the kids used to play outside, so you start loving the sport and get involved in it. I used to live in Cameron Street, where we practically had our own football team. Gzira was and still is famous for producing very good football players.

I know that you played for Floriana and Sliema way back in the sixties and seventies. Did you play for any other clubs and what did you achieve as a player?
During my career I played for Gzira, Floriana, Sliema, Gudja and Senglea. I won the most honours with Floriana such as the league championships, which we won four times, the Trophy three times, the Testaferrata Cup, the Independence Cup, and the Christmas Cup.

During my prime time as a football player, I was very proud to play for the team I supported as a boy - Sliema Wanderers. I also had a great time with Gudja where I won two promotions.

Was it or is it difficult to be connected with Sliema and Floriana, two rivals in local football?
Yes it was a bit delicate. Having supported Sliema all my life and then playing with Floriana for a good nine years wasn’t easy. I always had to perform at the highest level with Floriana, especially in the matches against Sliema, for fear that otherwise they would think I was being faithful to my first love. On the other hand when I used to produce the goods for Floriana against the Blues, it was hell for the Sliema fans.

In those days, (about 30 years ago) the Sliema vs Floriana encounters were hell. Rivalry was so big that my family shop in Sliema was ransacked more than once. Obviously the Sliema fans did not like the fact that "one of their own" was playing against them.

Which do you regard as the best game that you’ve ever played in?
For sure, most of my best matches were the Sliema vs Floriana encounters. I remember beating them 3-1. Again the Sliema fans were hostile to me as I had a very good match.

What about when playing with Floriana in Europe?
How can I forget the tie we had against Borussia Dortmund. This was the time when they had in their ranks the current Malta coach, Siggi Held and a master, Libuda. The team was awesome, even winning the Cup Winners Cup by beating Liverpool 2-1 after extra time.

I also remember the game against Dundee, Scotland. In Malta we drew 0-0 and in Scotland we were playing just as well, but unfortunately conceded a goal 10 minutes from time.

Which honour that you have won do you cherish most as a player and as a coach?
Having coached quite a few teams such as Gudja and Gzira, I have many proud moments, but I will never forget the time I spent with Gudja as a player coach. It was wonderful.

Did anyone influence your career as a player or as a coach?
Without any doubt Lolly Borg was a huge influence on me. He was a great player and coach. I learned practically everything I know from him.

How did you come to start coaching?
It was something natural. I always loved the game and when the time came to retire I did not want to walk away, so the logical step was coaching.

What do you think of Sliema Wanderers at present?
They are a very good team with good material, but have suffered due to the continuous reshuffles made to the side. The team never looks settled and that is bad. Another problem is that some players seem reluctant to give 100 per cent. They should give more to a side that is paying them good money.

Do you think it will be difficult working with Jeff Wood?
No. We have already had a few meetings since I took the job as assistant coach and I think we could work quite well together.

What about your opponents. Do you regard B’Kara, Valletta and Hibs as your main contenders and what about Floriana, who defeated you recently?
Birkirkara are the team to beat. I like them for their hard-working and united attitude. Freddie Cardona has done a really good job, which goes to prove that Maltese coaches have got the knowledge, when it comes to it. Meanwhile Hibernians have shoved off the Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde tag that they had and now look a very solid side, who could fight it out for the title right up till the last day of the season. On the other hand you can never rule out Valletta. They are the sort of team who will come good at the right time.

Do you think football in Malta has improved?
Technically yes. But it is still lagging behind other countries who have made rapid improvements. Our football still has the same old problems such as being slow, no running of the ball and no continuous action especially where it matters most - in front of goal.

Do you agree with the present league format?
No. Although at the end of the season games become more interesting, it is not fair for teams who start very well but then, with the points deducted by half, find themselves in the same boat as other teams who might have lost several matches.

Apart from Sliema who do you think is the best present side in Malta?
Birkirkara.

You have seen almost all the 10 premier division teams. Who do you think will make it to the Championship Pool?
Sliema, Birkirkara, Hibernians, Valletta and Floriana should make it to the Championship Pool. For the other place there will be a fight between rivals Marsa and Hamrun.

If you could pencil out a formation consisting of 11 Maltese players, who would be in your line-up?
I think new faces for the national side should be given a chance. Players such as Carlo Mamo and Adrian Mifsud should easily make the squad.

Who was the best Maltese player ever?
It’s impossible to mention only one. There are at least four - Willie Vassallo and Ray Vella, whom I consider to be of the same mould, and John Buttigieg and Carmel Busuttil.

And the best footballer currently in action?
Michael Spiteri for obvious reasons. He never surrenders, plays his heart out and always gives 110 per cent. I never tire of seeing him in action.

At the moment Sliema are leaving Massimo Grima on the bench. You have a big squad but do you agree with playing a different team depending on the opposition - a rotating system?
I would like to see Massimo starting every match. Although he might be a little overweight, it is up to us coaches to get him fitter. But Massimo is an awesome player and could solve many of Sliema’s problems. I agree completely with the rotating system, especially if, like us, you have the players.

Do you think that you will be Sliema’s head coach one day?
I joined Sliema because I want to help them. As a player I could not help them that much because at the time, my commitment was to Floriana. Having been a Sliema supporter throughout my life I feel obliged to give them something back.

Do you enjoy other sports, apart from football?
Strangely enough, no!