Archives

‘ARMENIA WILL PROVIDE A TEST BUT WE WILL PLAY OUR CARDS’ – PIETRO GHEDIN

Published: 07-09-2012 05:30
image1 (102)
image2 (33)
image3 (16)
Malta national team coach, Pietro Ghedin, told a News Conference at Ta’ Qali that his team will be facing an important test against Armenia in tomorrow’s qualifying opening Group B match of the 2014 World Cup Brazil. The Italian said that Armenia have made strides forward and obtained 17 points in their last qualification group. They have fast players as was evident in their recent match against Belarus. ‘However, on home soil we will play all the cards. We will take our next two matches step by step. First it’s against Armenia and then we will think about Italy,’ he stressed.    ‘Two positive away results instil courage and confidence for future commitments. But we also have much more work to do. We hope that everyone will do his part against Armenia in what will be a difficult match. I am confident that the team will do well. We have ten players who can perform both in attack and in defence and this versatility should help us go for various game plans, including the 1-4-3-2-1 formation,’ the Italian said. Ghedin remarked that the team is currently going through a good ball-playing phase and besides our disposition to defend well we are also bent on attacking football. ‘ I always want to derive the maximum from the players, even if sometimes this depends on the opponents. We have to maintain this build-up we have had. Against San Marino we scored three but could have even netted seven. Unfortunately, we conceded two soft goals, a flaw which we have to eliminate.’ ‘ We should have more confidence in our abilities and more self-esteem,’ the Italian coach said. Malta’s ace-scorer Michael Mifsud also addressed the News Conference, saying that it is a great honour to play for one’s country. He thanked his colleagues for helping him reach the handsome target of 36 goals. ‘It is thanks to them that we are playing attractive football and getting the results. The team atmosphere is very good and the coach is helping towards a feeling of togetherness and making each player feel important for the team.’ Referring to Armenia, Mifsud said that from the DVD’s seen one cannot underestimate them. They are fast and move forward with purpose. ‘It will surely be a difficult game for us, but we are prepared for the match and we will do our best,’ he said. On his fitness, Malta’s striker said that after checking with the doctor he is in fine shape.