As Malta gears up to face Liechtenstein, on Wednesday, interim head coach David Mazzotta and defender Jean Borg shared their insights and expectations ahead of the friendly match.
Mazzotta emphasized that his approach to the upcoming fixtures, one friendly and one competitive, would be identical. “The only difference is the label—one is a friendly, the other a competition,” he explained. He stressed that the team’s preparation and execution would remain consistent, with a focus on maintaining the same level of determination and humility for both matches.
This mindset reflects Mazzotta’s goal of fostering a resilient, consistent approach regardless of the game’s nature. “The boys know this,” he added, underlining the importance of focus and effort.
Mazzotta also hinted at potential lineup changes, driven both by forced absences and tactical adjustments.
Despite the challenges, Mazzotta remains confident in his squad’s commitment to the team’s evolving philosophy. “We cannot lose concentration,” he said, stressing the need for mental and tactical discipline.
When asked about the limited playing time some players have at their overseas clubs, Mazzotta remained unfazed. He praised the dedication of his players to the national team. “All of them show up and work hard,” he said, highlighting the effort each player brings, regardless of their club situation.
Although recent heavy rain had affected the pitch quality, Mazzotta praised the team’s professionalism. “It’s always a pleasure to have them representing Malta,” he added.
Defender Jean Borg echoed the team’s readiness, emphasizing their focus and commitment. Reflecting on the previous international window, Borg acknowledged the short time they had to adapt to Mazzotta’s coaching style, though most players were familiar with him. This time, they’ve worked on “the details” to better align with the coach’s expectations.
“Tomorrow is a very important match,” Borg said, while also recognizing the significance of every game for the national team. For him, playing for Malta is “always an honor,” a sentiment shared by the entire squad.
Malta will host Liechtenstein on Thursday evening at the National Stadium, with kickoff set for 19:00.
