At a press conference following a disappointing 3-0 loss to Northern Ireland, national coach Devis Mangia did not mince his words saying it was so obvious that the Maltese players were simply not fit enough for international football.
“Football is not a hobby”, he said.
Malta has not played any football for several months due to coronavirus measures and the lack of fitness took its toll.
Despite going behind in the opening minutes through sloppy defending Malta improved and when Bonello saved a penalty mid-way through the half, it seemed that their fortunes might improve. The second half proved different. The NI players were fitter, faster and superior across the pitch. The inevitable happened. More goals.
Coach Mangia said he was not looking for excuses. He simply told it as it was. If Malta wants to improve the system must change. It must be run professionally.
It will be interesting to see if his words have any impact.
