Michele Marcolini Discusses Malta's Preparations for Match Against Slovenia

Michele Marcolini, the head coach of the Malta national football teams, shed light on the team's preparations for their upcoming match against Slovenia during the MD-1 press conference. Despite facing challenges due to the absence of key players like Teddy Teuma and Jodi Jones, Marcolini expressed his eagerness to experiment with new strategies and give opportunities to fresh faces within the team.

Marcolini emphasized the importance of utilizing the current training period to integrate new players into the squad effectively. With only a limited time frame of three days for training and a hiatus of four months without meeting, Marcolini commended the players for their positive attitude and commitment to the preparation process.

Acknowledging the significance of the upcoming matches, particularly with only four games remaining before the Nations League, Marcolini highlighted the necessity for thorough preparation despite the constraints faced by all national team coaches. He underscored the meticulous approach taken by him and his team, who diligently scouted 90-95% of matches to assess players' form and performance.

Addressing the absence of Teuma and Jones, Marcolini explained that Teuma was sidelined due to injury, while Jones was omitted from the squad due to personal reasons related to his family's current situation. Marcolini emphasized the human aspect of professional football, stressing that while they are professionals, they are also individuals dealing with personal challenges.

Malta National Team player Luke Montebello, expressed his pride in representing his country and conveyed his excitement for the upcoming fixtures. Montebello emphasized that being called up for the national team is always an honor, and the break from club duties is viewed as an opportunity rather than an inconvenience.

Malta will face Slovenia in an international friendly on Thursday 21st March 2024 at the Ta’ Qali National Stadium (kick-off 19:00).