Vassallo-Paris-Chetcuti trio in search of new Italian coach
The lack of exciting attacking football and the growing criticism on social media from Maltese football fans had been putting increasing pressure on the person who had actually given Michele Marcolini the job – Bjorn Vassallo himself.
Marcolini and his assistant Davide Mandelli were both hired by the MFA President with the aim of possibly continuing the style of play, which was thought to be similar to or a continuation of the system used under the previous Italian coach, Devis Mangia. Ironically Marcolini has been sacked following a very hard fought game which Malta won 1-0 against Andorra.
This confirms that the decision to sack Marcolini and Mandelli was taken three days earlier in Chisinau after the loss against Moldova. It is not if Bjorn Vassallo has consulted a technical expert before this decision which was then theatrically formally rubber stamped in Ta’ Qali yesterday during the Executive Baord. Marcolini’s contract with the MFA was due to expire in December 2024.
Sadly, it was clear from the start that Michele Marcolini and his right-hand man Davide Mandelli could never match the level of football shown during Mangia’s time. This worry was also voiced by several high-profile national team players who had been trying to convince other technical staff members to pressure the MFA, especially Vassallo, to get rid of Michele Marcolini.
The self-set goal by the MFA leaders (promotion in the UEFA Nations League) led to constant pressure, particularly after the UEFA Nations League group draw placed our team in a group of only three National teams with Moldova and Andorra as opponents.
One doesn’t need to be a qualified football coach or an experienced match analyst to realise that the Malta National team was, is, and will still be tactically and technically weaker than Moldova, who have various players registered and spread across the world playing professional football.
The 2-0 loss in Chisinau was a major setback for the hopes and self-imposed promotion target, as things quickly became complicated. A loss in the first game out of only four scheduled matches has resulted in a steep uphill battle, and now with just two games left in this mini-tournament between three small national teams, Malta will likely not even manage to win the group as it was promised to us.
The group of ‘minnows’ in which Malta was placed now has a clear favourite for promotion: Moldova. This National team will play against Malta at the National Stadium in October, where Malta can’t afford a draw or another loss if they want to keep even the slimmest chances of promotion.
This promised promotion to League C of the UNL has been talked about for more than eight years – the full term of the current MFA administration – and all signs point to yet another failed project.
September 2024 will likely be remembered as a turning point for Maltese football, marking the beginning of a challenging period.
As the Malta FA leadership team of Bjorn Vassallo, Matthew Paris and Angelo Chetcuti reflect on their past decisions, both the Executive Board and the public are hopeful that a new coach will breathe fresh life into the National football team, possibly with another Italian at the helm.
Sources within the MFA’s technical staff have hinted to other media outlets that former Floriana coach Gianluca Atzori and ex-Hibernians coach Stefano Sanderra may be approached for their input and availability.
One thing is certain: the MFA faces significant financial constraints, as evidenced by their 2023 Financial reports. It’s unlikely they’ll hire a high-profile coach with a yearly salary exceeding €500,000. This website understands that the MFA has set a budget cap of €350,000 per year for a new coach, assistant, and support staff.
If the search proves difficult, John Buttigieg, a former National team player and former National team coach, could be asked to step in as interim coach for the final two UNL games in October and November against Moldova (13th October) and Andorra (19th November). Buttigieg currently works for the MFA as Head Coach of the MFA Hubs project.
