{"id":51210,"date":"2025-09-08T17:16:07","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T16:16:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/?p=51210"},"modified":"2025-09-08T17:16:07","modified_gmt":"2025-09-08T16:16:07","slug":"malta-national-team-press-conference-building-believing-and-looking-ahead","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/index.php\/2025\/09\/08\/malta-national-team-press-conference-building-believing-and-looking-ahead\/","title":{"rendered":"Malta National Team press conference: Building, Believing, and Looking Ahead"},"content":{"rendered":"
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On 8th September 2025, one day ahead of Malta\u2019s international friendly against San Marino, Head Coach Emilio De Leo and forward Irvin Cardona addressed the media with an earnest mix of realism, optimism, and professionalism.<\/p>\n

Coach De Leo was emphatic: \u201cWe must learn from each game and focus on building continuity\u201d\u2014a testament to Malta\u2019s evolving football identity. Despite narrowly missing out on a win in their previous outing and just falling short of bringing home three points, De Leo emphasized that progress isn\u2019t measured only through results, but through the lessons absorbed and the resilience forged along the way.<\/p>\n

When pressed about the absence of key players\u2014even before the Lithuania match\u2014De Leo acknowledged the misfortunes faced, yet lauded the players who stepped forward: Irvin Cardona, Paiber, Beerman, and Grech. He praised how they \u201crose up to the occasion and did their best,\u201d reinforcing that every squad member matters.<\/p>\n

Adding to that, Irvin Cardona, who made his debut versus Lithuania, reflected on his first appearance: \u201cIt was a pleasant game. I\u2019ve adapted well and hope this is just one of many.\u201d<\/p>\n

De Leo did not shy away from expressing his own responsibility. \u201cI take responsibility but we all should, both the experienced and new young players,\u201d he stated, calling on every member of the squad to embrace the journey and continue pushing forward. When reflecting on the Lithuania game, he added that \u201cwe should not throw in the towel and must keep hoping.\u201d Though disappointed, he cautioned against discouragement, insisting that the team is improving and growing stronger.<\/p>\n

De Leo also looked ahead to tomorrow\u2019s match, urging for unwavering focus\u2014not just tactically but emotionally. He warned against underestimating the importance of a friendly. \u201cAll matches are important,\u201d he reaffirmed.<\/p>\n

The international friendly Malta vs San Marino will be played tomorrow at 9.00pm at the Ta\u2019 Qali National Stadium and will be broadcast live on TVM Sport+.<\/p>\n

Source: MFA<\/p>\n

Photo: MFA<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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On 8th September 2025, one day ahead of Malta\u2019s international friendly against San Marino, Head Coach Emilio De Leo and forward Irvin Cardona addressed the media with an earnest mix of realism, optimism, and professionalism. Coach De Leo was emphatic: \u201cWe must learn from each game and focus on building continuity\u201d\u2014a testament to Malta\u2019s evolving […]<\/p>\n

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