Devis Mangia has stressed that that Malta needs to give its 100% when they play against San Marino if they want to start this Nations League campaign on a good note.
‘It is an honour to know that the opinion out there is that Malta is one of the favourites to win the group. That means we are doing a good job’, said National Teams Head Coach Devis Mangia whilst addressing media in the match day -1 press conference.
But Mangia has reiterated that the job is far from done as San Marino in the last three games, under the helm of this new coach, have always been in the game. He sustained that Malta should play with a passion and play its game.
Mangia said: “We played Venezuela three days ago, but that was a friendly match and one should not compare the two. Our targets for that game were reached; to stay in the game, to have our moments and to give space to players so they show their worth’
“We are playing against a level of opposition who is at a par with us at the moment. The Nations League has given countries like ours the opportunity to plan and dream to advance. On paper we seem to be in a disadvantage when it comes to countries that are much more rated than ours.
Malta defender Enrico Pepe, who was sitting alongside his coach for the press conference, was also asked about the Sammarinese team. He explained that all games are difficult and the team should give its 100%
Pepe added: “When playing for the national team you are not simply playing for the shirt but for a whole nation. San Marino is also a nation that is growing football wise and thus we shouldn’t underestimate them.”
Mangia will have to do without Teddy Teuma and Ryan Camenzuli who are missing due to suspension. However Devis Mangia was adamant that the replacement of these two players are equally good.
“The challenges of the game in San Marino will be different, especially having to play at three in the afternoon in the scorching heat. We have to make sure our levels of concentration are really high.”
Malta will be facing San Marino at the San Marino Stadium in Seravalle on Sunday 5th June at 3.00pm.
