The Slovakia match will therefore bring to an end his second spell as Malta coach following a first spell between November 1993 and November 1995. He was re-appointed as national coach in 2012 and his current contract expired at the end of the calendar year. He holds the record of the longest-serving Malta national team coach.
Ghedin said that after six years, which mark the end of a cycle, the national team needs new motivation. He stressed that if all stakeholders worked hard together, Malta would do better.
The Malta coach said that he is looking forward to finishing on a positive note. He said that there were several occasions when the team played well but failed to get a positive result.
“Unfortunately sometimes players give their best but this is not enough. These were six fantastic years working with great people and great staff. The Malta Football Association gave me full support throughout these years,” said Ghedin.
Lithuania will be arriving in Malta three days before the game as they eye a positive result but Pietro Ghedin is looking forward to revenge the 2-0 defeat in Vilnius last year.
MFA General Secretary Dr Angelo Chetcuti said that he came to know Ghedin as an excellent professional. He said that from the MFA’s side there is absolute respect for what Pietro Ghedin has done for the national team. He said that both parties leave a legacy of mutual respect.
Dr Chetcuti added that when he was appointed as Malta coach, he was tasked with earning the respect of every opponent and this was something which one could safely say that it was achieved but of course, this was not enough.
MFA Technical Director Robert Gatt added that he had known Ghedin for over twenty years, after having served as his assistant during his first spell as Malta coach. He added that apart from being a great coach, Ghedin was a great gentleman.