The Malta national team head coach Emilio De Leo has called on his players to show greater discipline and concentration as they prepare to face the Netherlands on Thursday night at the National Stadium, Ta’ Qali (kick-off 20:45), in their latest European Qualifier. Speaking at the mandatory MD-1 press conference, De Leo and winger Joseph Mbong underlined the team’s progress and reaffirmed their commitment to learning from past mistakes.
Reflecting on the previous meeting with the Dutch, a heavy defeat that left its mark, De Leo said the experience had been painful but ultimately educational.
“The result against the Netherlands was negative and felt like a slap in the face, it hurt. However, it helped us in the games that followed, where we were able to show that we have grown,” he said.
When asked about the mistakes made in previous matches, the coach was adamant that the same mistakes must not be repeated. He pinpointed lapses in tactical organisation and moments of lost focus as areas that proved costly in other matches.
“The errors were tactical ones, but I prefer to concentrate on our qualities and bank on them. Against a team like the Netherlands, a second of distraction can change the match. We must stay alert, organised, and brave.”
De Leo insisted that the key lesson from that defeat was the need for total concentration across all phases of play, both with and without the ball. He emphasised cleaner decision-making in possession, maintaining compact defensive lines, and stronger communication, especially when facing world-class opponents.
“I tell my players that courage and focus must go hand in hand. We cannot switch off; every movement, every duel, every second counts. It’s the only way to compete at this level.”
The Italian coach also addressed the recent number of yellow and red cards accumulated by the team, attributing them to passion and determination that, at times, spilt over. He urged his players to find balance, manage emotions, and channel their energy positively.
“Sometimes that passion is a bit excessive, and yes, that’s an area where we need to be more balanced. Not all incidents are our fault, but we must march on even when we do not agree with certain decisions,” he explained.
De Leo added that the overall spirit within the camp remained positive, with the squad united and motivated heading into Thursday’s fixture.
“There don’t seem to be any problems in the team. We still have our last meeting and training session, but the group is united and focused.”
On a broader note, he highlighted the benefits of having more Maltese players competing in European club competitions, noting the experience they bring back to the national setup.
“The fact that players are playing in European competitions means they are representing our country while also gaining valuable experience. It’s an advantage. Yes, they may come back tired, but it’s my responsibility to put all the pawns in place.”
When asked to evaluate the team’s journey so far, De Leo declined to give a definitive rating, preferring to reserve judgment until the campaign’s conclusion.
“We still have a way to go, and we can further improve. Destiny is still not in our favour, but I believe it will be when the time is right. We only have to be patient.”
Alongside his coach, Joseph Mbong echoed the emphasis on growth, focus, and redemption. The experienced winger underlined how exposure to European football had sharpened his competitive edge.
“It helps to be playing at European level. The intensity is higher than in our domestic league. Instead of two games a month, we play three or four, often in big stadiums with large crowds. That environment helps me grow as a player.”
Looking ahead to the Ta’ Qali showdown, Mbong admitted the players were eager to show progress and prove their development since the reverse fixture.
“These are the games every player lives for. Hopefully, we’ll have a good attendance, because that always helps our performance. The motivation is high, we want to make up for the away loss.”
He acknowledged the hurt of the earlier result but was quick to point to signs of improvement during the last international window.
“Obviously we were disappointed, but during the last international window we showed that we learned from our mistakes and made a good showing. Our aim is to keep improving.”
As Malta prepare to host one of Europe’s elite, the message from both coach and player is clear: stay focused, stay disciplined, and stay concentrated. The team’s journey, built on lessons learned and belief in progress, continues with patience, purpose, and pride.
