Malta faces Andorra in the second match from Group D2 of the UEFA Nations League at the Estadi Nacional in Andorra la Vella on Tuesday, kick-off at 20:45.
Following a highly disappointing performance in Chisinau which led to a 2-0 defeat to Moldova, Malta cannot afford any errors in the bid to maintain alive hopes of promotion.
Addressing the media on Monday, Malta coach Michele Marcolini presented a clear message: the team is ready to respond to recent disappointments with renewed focus, energy, and determination. Reflecting on the recent loss to Moldova, Marcolini was candid but optimistic as he highlighted several key points ahead of the Andorra match.
Marcolini did not shy away from the reality of Malta’s recent form. “We are all disappointed after the bad result against Moldova,” he admitted.
In fact, after the Moldova game, Marcolini had said “They showed in this match to be better than us .. more strong, more fast, technically much better. Especially during the first half, in the first twenty minutes, we did seventy percent technical mistakes. So, it becomes difficult. If we are not able to keep the ball and manage it, we run a lot. To gain a good result, Malta has to play an almost perfect game. If we have a lot of mistakes, that becomes very difficult.”
Yet, the coach was quick to emphasize that the team’s determination has not wavered. “The will is clear,” Marcolini said. “We want to gain a positive result by showing our character and skills after this bad performance. We want to perform much better.” It is clear that the team is eager to move forward and prove their quality in the upcoming match.
Turning his attention to the game against Andorra, Marcolini praised the opposition’s ability to disrupt opponents’ gameplay.
“Andorra is a team that makes opponents play badly because of their aggressiveness and their attitude on the pitch,” he remarked. Highlighting the need for his players to be vigilant, the coach pointed out that Andorra often relies on a direct style of play, with a focus on winning duels, especially aerial ones. “If we want to gain a positive result, we will have to win a lot of duels, particularly in the air. As soon as we have the ball, we need to develop our play with more quality than we did against Moldova.”
Marcolini also hinted at some changes in the line-up for the Andorra match. Reflecting on the lessons learned from the Moldova game, he stated, “Last match gave me indications—good for some players and bad for others. Also, playing again just three days after a very long trip has its importance. There will be some changes.” This openness to adjust the squad demonstrates the coach’s pragmatic approach and willingness to find the best combinations to secure a positive result.
One of the key players Marcolini discussed was Teddy Teuma. The midfielder had been managing a minor problem towards the end of the previous match, but the coach expressed confidence in his readiness. “Teddy was able to manage his problem very well in the last minutes of the match. He felt good during the game, and his reaction in these days has been really positive. We will still assess if he will be able to be part of the team for tomorrow’s game.”
Marcolini also addressed the inevitable criticism that followed the team’s recent poor performance. “When you have a bad result after a poor performance, it is normal and right to receive criticisms. It is part of football,” he acknowledged. However, the coach stressed that words alone are not enough. “Only explaining that we want to react is useless. We have to show our eagerness with more effort, more willingness on the pitch, and with the right attitude and character.”
Malta midfielder Matthew Guillaumier echoed his coach’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of moving on from the Moldova match. “This is a new game,” Guillaumier stated. “We have to forget about the Moldova game and focus on having a positive performance and getting the first three points.” He also reassured the press that the team’s morale remains high: “The team is in good spirits. We trained earlier today, and we are all focused on tomorrow’s game.”
This will be the fifth clash between Malta and Andorra. The first three clashes between the two ended in draws – two 1-1 draws in February 2000 and March 2002 in the Malta international tournament and a goalless draw away from home in the UEFA Nations League in October 2020. One month later, Malta defeated Andorra 3-1 at Ta’ Qali.
Andorra lost nine of the last ten matches – the only positive result being a 1-1 draw with South Africa in March. Last week, they lost 1-0 to Gibraltar in a friendly match away from home.
However in their previous UEFA Nations League campaigns, Andorra performed quite well, earning four draws from the 2018 campaign, two draws in 2020 and two wins and two draws in 2022. But like Malta they are yet to win a promotion to League C.
Andorra vs Malta will be controlled by Swedish referee Mohammed Al-Hakim, assisted by Mehmet Culum and Fredrik Klyver and fourth official Joakim Östling. The Video Assistant Referee is Jarred Gillett and Assistant Video Assistant Referee Timothy Wood, both from England.