Darren Abdilla

🙏⚽️

🌟🔥🇪🇺 🇪🇺 ⚽Led Team to the next round of a European Club Competition for a record 8th time!!! ⚽🇪🇺 🇪🇺🔥🌟

Name : Darren Abdilla / Darren Abdilla
Club : Floriana FC
Age: 45 years

Competition : UEFA Europa Conference League 2024/25 - Made it to Second Qualifying Round
Against : Tre Penne (San Marino)
Next Round : Vitória de Guimarães (Portugal)

⭕Rounds Passed : 8 (6 with Gzira, 1 with Valletta and 1 with Floriana)
⭐2018/19 - Europa League - Against Sant Julia (Andorra) with Gzira
⭐2019/20 - Champions League - Against F91 Dudelang (Luxembourg) with Valletta
⭐2021/22 - Conference League - Against Sant Julia (Andorra) with Gzira
⭐⭐2022/23 - Conference League - Against Atletic Club D'Escaldes (Andorra) Radnicki Nis (Serbia) with Gzira
⭐2023/24 - Conference League - Against Glentoran FC (Northern Ireland), F 91 Dudelange (Luxembourg)
⭐2024/25 - Conference League - Against Tre Penne (San Marino)

⭕28 Matches coached
⭐ 8 Wins (7 with Gzira, 1 with Floriana)
⭐ 9 Draws (5 with Gzira, 3 with Valletta, 1 with Floriana)

Floriana coach Darren Abdilla is not ready to take any chances when they face San Marino side Tre Penne in the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round, second leg on Thursday night at Serravalle (kick-off: 8.45pm).

✍: Valhmor Camilleri

Read the full story on the Times of Malta Sport website HERE: https://sport.timesofmalta.com/2024/07/18/abdilla-not-ready-to-take-chances-as-floriana-face-tre-penne-in-return-leg

Floriana coach Darren Abdilla is urging his players to prove their superiority over San Marino side Tre Penne on the pitch as the Greens eye a winning start their UEFA Conference League campaign at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Thursday evening (kick-off: 7pm).

✍: Valhmor Camilleri

Read the full story on the Times of Malta Sport website HERE: https://sport.timesofmalta.com/2024/07/11/coach-abdilla-says-floriana-must-justify-favourites-tag-against-tre-penne/

An honor representing Floriana FC at the UEFA Conference League draws in Nyon!

Proud moment for our team and can’t wait to see what the season holds! ⚽️🏆

I'm thrilled to announce that I've officially signed with Floriana FC ! 💚⚽️ I'm looking forward to this new chapter in my career and can't wait to give my all for the club. I would like to thank the president Mr Johann Said, Club Secretary Mr Jacques Grima and Club Technical Director Mr Sean Sullivan for the faith and trust shown in me.

Darren Abdilla

Today ACF Fiorentina will play in the 2nd leg of the Quarter Final of the UEFA Europa Conference League against FC Viktoria Plzeň. Two teams which I manage to coach against.

Best of luck to both teams.

It is with a heavy heart that I announce my resignation as the coach of Gzira United FC.

My tenure as coach has been filled with beautiful memories, though not without its share of struggles.

I want to express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity to serve this beloved club.

Thanks to the management, staff, players and supporters for the support, challenges, and memories.

Darren Abdilla

Scrooge, Bestie, Joker, Mastermind.... not necessary in that order.

But cannot do without them. 😁❤️ Love you to bits.

Andrew Cohen Domenic Ellul Ian Tonna

Meet the backbone of our team - our dedicated coaching staff! Their expertise, guidance, and commitment make our players shine on and off the field. 🙌⚽

As the transfer window draws to a close, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the players and staff who left the club from last season’s squad, namely players: - Jean Paul Attard, Marko Cosic, Jefferson, Toni Kolega, Maxuell Maia, Nikki Muscat, Steve Pisani, Luke Tabone, Krassimir Zammit and team manager Marlon Galea

It has been an absolute privilege to have you as part of our team, and I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation for the countless hours of hard work, passion, and resilience you've poured into the success of our club.

I have witnessed your commitment not only on the field but also behind the scenes, where you've exemplified the true spirit of teamwork and professionalism. Your contributions have helped shape our club's identity and have set a standard that will continue to inspire future generations.

While you may be leaving the squad, you will forever remain a cherished part of the memories we created together.

As we eagerly anticipate the start of the new season, I want to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to players Craig Abdiila, Thaylor Aldama, Bilar Azizi, Carlos Chaba, Ryan Essaka, Aiden Pisani, Adama Sane, Jose Wilkson, Farid Zuniga and team manager Renato Vidal

Your arrival brings fresh energy and talent to our team, and we are thrilled to have you on board.

I have no doubt that your skills and dedication will play a crucial role in our pursuit of success. Together, we will work hard, learn, and grow as a team.

I want to wish you the very best of luck for the upcoming season.

Welcome to our family, and let's make this season one to remember!

“As I said it’s a very difficult test for us but we have no intention of throwing in the towel. I expect the players to take the pitch with a positive attitude and hopefully, we can return home with a positive result.”

Click on the link to read the whole interview.

Thanks SportsDesk Times of Malta Camilleri Valhmor

Gżira United face biggest Euro test yet at Viktoria Plzen in Conference League
Read more: https://buff.ly/3DQX3v6

🌟🔥🇪🇺 🇪🇺 ⚽Led Team to the next round of a European Club Competition for a record 7th time!!! ⚽🇪🇺 🇪🇺🔥🌟

Name : Darren Abdilla / Darren Abdilla
Club : Gzira United Football Club
Age: 44 years

Competition : UEFA Europa Conference League 2023/24 - Made it to Third Qualifying Round
Against : F 91 Dudelange (Luxembourg)
Next Round : Viktoria Plzen (Czech Republic)

⭕Rounds Passed : 7 (6 with Gzira and 1 with Valletta)
⭐2018/19 - Europa League - Against Sant Julia (Andorra) with Gzira
⭐2019/20 - Champions League - Against F91 Dudelang (Luxembourg) with Valletta
⭐2021/22 - Conference League - Against Sant Julia (Andorra) with Gzira
⭐⭐2022/23 - Conference League - Against Atletic Club D'Escaldes (Andorra) Radnicki Nis (Serbia) with Gzira
⭐2023/24 - Conference League - Against Glentoran FC (Northern Ireland), F 91 Dudelange (Luxembourg)

⭕24 Matches coached
⭐ 7 Wins (7 with Gzira)
⭐8 Draws (5 with Gzira, 3 with Valletta)

Thanks SportsDesk & Times of Malta for the interview.

Valhmor thanks for always reporting our matches and taking our comments before and after the games during this European Campaign.

Gzira United made it into the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League on Wednesday after a late Wilkson goal gave them a 3-2 aggregate score.

Read here: https://sport.timesofmalta.com/2023/08/02/gzira-through-to-conference-league-third-qualifying-round-after-late-wilkson-goal/

It's becoming a habit :)

3rd qualifying round, two years in a row with two different squads and with one team, Gzira United Football Club

My 7th qualification in 5 years.

I dedicate this qualification to Andrew Cohen which unfortunately did not travel with us as he was sick.

I'm so lucky to have a coaching staff and supporting staff like i have.

I'm so proud of this squad, with a great attitude, that is creating such great memories.

Love you all !

Darren Abdilla

*𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐥𝐞*

What an extraordinary game. The build up for this game was extremely difficult, with all the changes we have been through. Travelling with only 16 players, 5 of which were just 19 years of age and 2 of them played their part in the game by also stepping up to take a penalty.

Lets not forget that we lost Nikki, Nene, Luke, JeanPaul, Krassimir, Marko, Jefferson and Samurai who joined other clubs and Darijan, Kolega, Riascos and Mentz didn't travel for a reason or another.

The coaching staff and I knew that the task was not easy with a lot of new players, some of which played first division football just a couple of months ago. We worked tirelessly on our tactical shape and discipline because it was going to be tough against much better physical opponents.

Great merit goes to our players who made this qualification possible. I cannot praise them enough for the determination and fighting spirit they showed. Their mental strength was impressive considering that we conceded just at the final whistle.

One by one they stepped up to take a penalty and showed no sign of weakness.

After the drama we will be remembered for the miracle of Belfast but also for David heroics who single handedly kept us in the game and saved the last penalty.

𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝, you should be proud of this game and for making our club being noticed worldwide. 😉

Darren Abdilla

Well done to all players and staff. This interview is for you !

Abdilla hails extraordinary team after Euro qualification
Read more: https://buff.ly/472HUEc

One for the records !!

🌟🔥🇪🇺 🇪🇺 ⚽Led Team to the next round of a European Club Competition for a record 6th time!!! ⚽🇪🇺 🇪🇺🔥🌟

Name : Darren Abdilla / Darren Abdilla
Club : Gzira United Football Club
Age: 44 years

Competition : UEFA Europa Conference League 2023/24 - Made it to Second Qualifying Round
Against : Glentoran (Nothern Ireland)
Next Round : F 91 Dudelange (Luxembourg)

⭕Rounds Passed : 6 (5 with Gzira and 1 with Valletta)
⭐2018/19 - Europa League - Against Sant Julia (Andorra) with Gzira
⭐2019/20 - Champions League - Against F91 Dudelang (Luxembourg) with Valletta
⭐2021/22 - Conference League - Against Sant Julia (Andorra) with Gzira
⭐⭐2022/23 - Conference League - Against Atletic Club D'Escaldes (Andorra) Radnicki Nis (Serbia) with Gzira
⭐2023/24 - Conference League - Against Glentoran FC (Northern Ireland)

My six seasons in Premier.

2017/2018 - 3rd
2018/2019 - 3rd
2019/2020 - 1st
2020/2021 - 3rd
2021/2022 - 4th
2022/2023 - 3rd

Consistency or Perception.

For some there is always someone more promising, tactician, motivator, trainer, experienced, disciplined, bla bla bla

To those who questioned my commitment, I answered on the pitch.

I'm not finished, we are not finished.

Come on Maroons
Darren Abdilla
Gzira United Football Club

Thank you SportsDesk and Times of Malta

The Times of the Malta Best 11 of the Week is out after Match Day 25.
Goalkeeper Darijan Zarkov, of Gzira United Football Club, starts in goal with the three-man defence formed by Samuel Okoh, of Pietá Hotspurs FC, Christian Gauci, of Valletta Football Club, and Floriana FC's Zak Cassar.
In midfield, Birkirkara F.C.'s Paul Mbong and Toni Kolega, of Gzira United Football Club, were joined by Yannik Yankam, of Birkirkara F.C., and Zach Scerri, of Gzira United Football Club.
In attack, Mosta FC's Zachary Brincat is flanked by Robert Hehedosh, of Santa Lucia F.C., and Jan Busuttil, of Floriana FC.
Darren Abdilla, of Gzira United Football Club, is the coach of the week.

"The good coach is the one who adapts the game to the characteristics of the players. If I have Modrić or Kroos I can't expect to press too hard. I'll give you an example: if I have Cristiano Ronaldo up front, I need to study hard how to get the ball to him. Another example: at Real I have Vinícius who has a little engine under his feet (laughs). I would be incapable if I didn't use the counterattack. I see coaches who think football is a 'science', but for me it's the simplest game in the world: you play and adapt according to what you have.” - Carlo Ancelotti, interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Following last weekend's match against Hamrun, I would like to congratulate the Hamrun Spartans Football Club clan for deservedly winning their 9th Championship.

A big well done to all the players especially to those that I had the privilege to coach during my coaching career, namely Juan Corbolan, Ryan Camenzuli, Luke Montebello, Toni Curmi, Joseph Mbong, Henry Bonello and Steve Borg.

A deserve praise goes towards all technical and supporting staff, especially Branko Nisevic who did a wonderful job.

Last but not least to the management led by Joseph Portelli, and the Spartans supporters.

Well done.

On to the Semis !

Two months undefeated in both competitions.

It was a very tough and tense game against a very solid side, which we never managed to win against during this season. After we conceded a goal, our opponents parked the bus and rightly so made it difficult for us. But we trust the process and continue to believe in what we were doing.

Everyone is important in our squad, but yesterday's double substitution helped us to win the game.

Big well done to ALL our players for their determination and hard work.

Answers always on the pitch.

⭐⚽MILESTONES REACHED⚽⭐
75th PREMIER LEAGUE WIN

Name : Darren Abdilla
Age: 43 years
Current Club : Gzira United Football Club

Reached milestone on 11 December 2022 against Zebbug Rangers

✔️Premier league wins by Teams managed
65 - Gzira United
10 - Valletta FC

✔️Premier league wins by Opponents:
🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯(7) Mosta
🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯(6) Floriana, Hamrun S, Sliema W., Tarxien R.
🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯(5) Balzan, Gudja U.
🎯🎯🎯🎯(4) Hibernians, Lija A., Senglea A, St. Andrews, Valletta
🎯🎯🎯 Sirens
🎯🎯 Birkirkara, Naxxar L., Zejtun C
🎯Pembroke A.Pieta H, Qormi, Santa Lucia, Zebbug R.

https://www.linterista.it/esclusive/esclusiva-abdilla-all-gzira-inter-gia-sul-pezzo-bastoni-e-skriniar-creano-problemi-69977

Linterista.it

ESCLUSIVA - Abdilla (all. Gzira): "Inter già sul pezzo. Bastoni e Skriniar creano problemi" Mentre il Mondiale entra sempre di più nella sua fase cruciale, arrivano per i tifosi nerazzurri i primi sprazzi di Inter. La squadra di Inzaghi è in ritiro a Malta, dove lunedì...

A great experience sharing the pitch with a top team like Inter.