Malta head coach Emilio De Leo and forward Irvin Cardona spoke to the media on the eve of Thursday’s UEFA Nations League clash against Gibraltar at the National Stadium.
De Leo said Malta has studied its opponents carefully and believes the team must approach the match with humility, particularly after Gibraltar’s performance against Andorra on Sunday.
“We have studied Gibraltar and we have to approach this game with humility. They caused Andorra a lot of problems in their last match, so we know what kind of challenge we are facing,” De Leo said.
The coach stressed that while Malta must limit Gibraltar’s strengths, the focus should also be firmly on improving its own performance.
“We need to limit their ability, but at the same time we have to look at ourselves and show what was missing against Andorra. We need more intensity.”
De Leo said Malta must demonstrate personality from the opening minute and produce its best version throughout the match.
“We need to show personality and present the best version of Malta from the first minute. This is an opportunity to extend the gap in the standings.”
The coach also pointed out that Gibraltar is a team that tries to play football and has players with good individual qualities. He warned Malta not to fall into the trap of allowing the tempo of the game to drop.
“They are a team that tries to play and they have good talent. We cannot fall into the trap of lowering the rhythm. We have to avoid the traps they will try to set for us.”
For De Leo, the objective is therefore to impose Malta’s own approach on the game.
“Our objective is to play our game and dictate the timing of the match.”
Reflecting on the squad’s involvement during the international window, De Leo highlighted the contribution of all the players called up. Every member of the squad has been involved across the two matches played so far.
“All the players in the squad have been used in the two games and all of them have done their best. We need to raise the intensity, and the atmosphere in training and in the camp has been very good.”
He added that the squad understands the importance of every individual contribution.
“The whole group knows that they have to be available and give their input. The satisfaction for a coach is when everyone finds their direction and understands what they have to do for the team.”
Cardona, meanwhile, was asked about his current focus in Liegue 2 and whether scoring for Malta could give him an additional boost in confidence.
“At the moment I am focused on the national team,” Cardona said. “Scoring can help with confidence, but every striker wants to score and gain confidence. However, the victory is the most important thing. We are not here for our personal statistics.”
Malta go into Thursday’s match looking to build on their victory against Andorra and continue their positive start to the Nations League campaign.
The UEFA Nations League game between Malta and Gibraltar will be played on Thursday at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali (8:45pm kick-off)
Source: MFA
Photos: MFA
