Malta National Team Head Coach Emilio De Leo has praised the attitude and commitment shown by his players in Monday’s friendly against Slovakia as the squad now turns its attention to Friday’s encounter with Azerbaijan.
Speaking ahead of Malta’s second international friendly of the June window, De Leo highlighted the determination and motivation displayed by the team despite the narrow defeat suffered in the dying moments against Slovakia.
“The difference was the motivation and the desire the players showed to produce a good performance,” De Leo said. “All the players involved gave their best. We made ten changes and every player who came on did so with the right attitude. Tactically, they gave us an important boost.”
The coach also pointed to the encouraging displays from several young players who were handed starting opportunities.
“We had a couple of young players making their first starts for the national team. At that stage, the physical aspect becomes secondary because what really matters is showing how much you want to be here and proving that you are at the service of the national team.”
De Leo expressed particular satisfaction with the performances of Kean Scicluna and Keyon Ewurum, while also praising the impact made by substitutes Cannavo and Andrea Zammit.
“I was very happy with Kean’s and Keyon’s performances. Cannavo and Andrea Zammit came on at a difficult moment when we were suffering and they provided the boost we needed. Overall, I was very pleased with everyone’s performance.”
Looking ahead, the Malta coach stressed that opportunities within the squad will continue to be earned.
“We still need to evaluate the level of the other players in the squad, but we must continue on the path we have started. Any player who is given an opportunity will not receive it as a gift, but because they deserve it and because they can bring something new to the team.”
Meanwhile, Kean Scicluna reflected on his first start for the senior national team, describing the experience as a proud moment.
“I was extremely happy to receive my first start for Malta,” Scicluna said. “Naturally, I was tense during the opening moments, but once I settled into the game I was able to enjoy the experience.”
The young defender admitted that the late defeat to Slovakia was disappointing, but believes the team can take plenty of positives from the performance.
“We were disappointed with the way the game ended against Slovakia, especially conceding in the final moments. However, we know that we gave everything against a very strong team.”
With the Slovakia match now behind them, Malta’s focus has fully shifted to Azerbaijan.
“We have put that game behind us and are concentrating on Azerbaijan. They are also ranked above us and will certainly provide another tough challenge. We are prepared and hopefully we can translate the work we have done in training into the match itself.”
Malta face Azerbaijan on Friday, 5 June, at the Haladás Sportkomplexum in Hungary. Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm.
Source: MFA
Photo: MFA
