Malta players determined to extend positive run

Malta goalkeeper Henry Bonello is confident that the national team can keep the momentum going in this month’s international matches, insisting that the players are very motivated and focused to build on the team’s recent improvement. The national side go into Wednesday’s friendly match against Liechtenstein and the UEFA Nations League Group D1 matches against Andorra (November 14) and Faroe Islands (November 17) on the back of a four-match unbeaten run. “We must stay focused in training as well as in the upcoming games to keep this upbeat mood because the atmosphere is naturally influenced by results,” the Valletta goalkeeper said. The spirits within the Malta squad have surely been lifted by the thrilling 1-0 victory away to Latvia in last month’s UEFA Nations League encounter in Riga. “Obtaining good results, particularly away, is very uplifting,” Bonello said. “It also helps to strengthen our confidence as we go out on the pitch knowing that we can play our game and have a good chance of getting a result.” As last month, Malta must cope with the challenge of three international matches in one week, starting with the friendly against Liechtenstein. “Every game at this level is important,” the 32-year-old goalkeeper said of the Liechtenstein friendly. “It will also help our confidence and team building ahead of the following two matches as we strive to build on this positive run. “I am confident we can extend this positive sequence and our UEFA Nations League group commitments on the best possible note.” UPBEAT CAMENZULI Left-back Ryan Camenzuli echoed Bonello’s words, emphasising the importance of staying focused. “It’s imperative that we stay fully concentrated for these upcoming matches as we were for last month’s commitments,” the Floriana player said. “We have entered the final part of the UEFA Nations League campaign and if we approach these games with the right attitude and gain points, we can finish this group on a high note.” “We are working hard and the technical staff are help us a lot, also on the psychological aspect.” Having featured regularly for the national team under Devis Mangia until now, Camenzuli is delighted to be back in Malta’s fold. “I am grateful to the coaches and the technical staff for showing faith in me after a long absence from the national team,” Camenzuli said. “The team is performing well collectively, we are playing a different style of football, trying to push forward with a positive mindset. I believe we are on the right track.”