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We will be trying our best to win points – Mangia

Published: 09-10-2020 19:40
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Malta coach Devis Mangia expects a tough challenge from Andorra but that will not hold his team back from going out to pursue points in Saturday’s UEFA Nations League Group D1 match at the Estadi Nacional. “I expect a difficult game, this is normal at this level, but we will be trying our best to gain points,” Mangia told the pre-match press conference. “We know the idea Andorra will try to adopt on the pitch but we will be doing our utmost to win points.” Asked for his views on the fact that the match will be played on an artificial pitch against an improved Andorra side, Mangia said: “I hope Malta has improved in the last period. Personally, I don’t like to play on an artificial pitch but it can’t be an alibi or a problem for us to play here. “It is also clear that the the atmosphere could be better with the supporters but we know that this is not possible during this period. So, we will be focusing on the match and not on any situations that we can find around us.” LOOKING AHEAD Malta are coming from a 2-0 win over Gibraltar in a friendly match, played at the National Stadium last Wednesday, but Mangia is not reading much into that game. “Gibraltar is in the past,” the Italian coach said. “In football, as in all situations, whether good or not so good, what you did yesterday is not important, what counts is what you are going to do tomorrow. Now we have to be focused on the next game.” BORG UPBEAT Gżira United defender Steve Borg said the players always go out on the pitch firmly intent on winning points, expressing hope that the recent improvement will lead the national team to better results on a consistent basis. “There is always pressure before every game,” Borg said. “We always try to do well and win. We are under a new coaching team and there has been improvement which was evident in the recent games where we played good football. “Unfortunately, we lost the first game (against Faroe Islands), the second game we were most positive and obtained a draw (against Latvia) and I hope tomorrow we get the three points so we keep moving forward in this competition.” Speaking about the progress of the young players coming into the senior squad, Borg said: “All the young players in the squad have shown that their level is good and they clearly have the potential to make it at national team level. “They are displaying good things in training as well as during the games. They clearly need experience which can only be gained by playing games and learn from their own mistakes.” Mangia has a 25-man squad at his disposal for tomorrow’s match. Ħamrun Spartans midfielder Matthew Guillaumier is suspended while Valletta forward Kyrian Nwoko has not made the trip as he is sidelined with injury.