Żabbar St Patrick coach Aniello Parisi is under mounting pressure following his team’s 1-0 defeat to Marsaxlokk in the YoHealth Malta Premier League on Thursday night.

A solitary second-half strike by Juvhel Tsoumou handed Żabbar their fifth loss of the season, deepening concerns within the club’s hierarchy. The Saints now sit third from bottom, just two points clear of Tarxien Rainbows and Naxxar Lions, leaving them perilously close to the relegation zone.

Sources indicate that the club’s management are growing increasingly worried about the team’s form, particularly after the significant summer investment aimed at transforming Żabbar into a competitive force. During the off-season, the club overhauled their squad, retaining only three foreign players from last year’s roster and bringing in several new faces to strengthen their challenge.

At the start of the campaign, Żabbar’s ambitions extended well beyond survival — the target was a Top Six finish in the Opening Phase. However, performances on the pitch have fallen short of expectations, leaving Parisi under intense scrutiny.

Despite the club’s backing so far, patience may be wearing thin. Another negative result in Sunday’s crucial clash against Valletta could further jeopardize Parisi’s position and prompt Żabbar’s leadership to consider their options.