Michele Marcolini and Manuela Tesse were presented to the media in a press conference that was held at the Centenary Hall earlier on today, a few days before Christmas.
This dual presentation was backed up the Malta FA President who stressed the importance of having one unified football philosophy all throughout the men’s and women’s national teams. It is why both coaches will not only be taking care of the national A teams but 80% of their work will be focussing on the grassroots to elite path, explained President Vassallo.
He continued to explain that Maltese football might offer a different perspective to the beautiful game. The island is small and has its own dynamics and he hopes that both coaches adapt easily and quickly.
Michele Marcolini has spoken of his pride at being appointed as the Malta men’s National Teams Head Coach, as he reflected on the exacting challenge of getting the maximum from a group of players who have improved considerably in the past years. He explained that he will build on the good work that has been done so far by his predecessor in the Malta national teams and inject some of his ideas to hopefully better the performances.
Marcolini emphasized that his first target is to strengthen the team with the values that have shaped him throughout his life; education, respect and sacrifice. He believes that a team that is built on these values will perform better and show the aggressiveness and will that is needed to succeed.
Marcolini explained that despite never being a national team coach, one has to start from somewhere. However he explained that during his football years he has gained experiences off and on the pitch which will help him make an impact on the local scene as well.
The 47-year-old was presented to the media together with his counterpart in the Women’s National Team Manuela Tesse.
Tesse has shown a willingness to listen to her squad and, as a player who won 87 caps for Italy, she can relate to them. Tesse was born and bred in Sardinia and started her first steps in football on the island. This meant having to overcome a series of obstacles whereas in these times football opportunities for women were few and far between. However, she believes that her strong will has helped her strive in her career.
Being an islander, she is already feeling at home on our little island. She knows that Maltese women’s football has improved a lot recently and had words of praise for the Maltese players that are currently playing abroad and as those players she.
“I am extremely proud to be appointed Malta national Team’s Head coach,” Tesse said. “However, my target is now to group the girls together and work hard with them to achieve our target, which is to pass from Group C to B.
Photos: Domenic Aquilina
