Pietro Ghedin to step down as Malta head coach
Malta national head coach Pietro Ghedin will step down from his post at the end of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. His last match in charge of the Malta senior team will be that against Slovakia in Trnava on October 8th.
Clearly emotional, the Italian who who holds the record number of matches in charge of the senior national team announced the news at a press conference held this afternoon.
"The two World Cup European qualifiers against Lithuania and Slovakia will be my last matches as Malta head coach" stated Ghedin "I have been at the helm of the senior Malta team for almost six years now in this second spell of mine as Malta coach. It has been a fantastic experience. We still have to work hard because we have two important matches coming up and it is very important that we remain focused and motivated to try and gain positive results, in particular the upcoming home qualifier against Lithuania here in Malta on October 5"
Ghedin admitted that he will be changing a few things as per regards this match.
Malta welcome Lithuania in their final home commitment in this World Cup qualifying campaign at the National Stadium on Thursday, October 5, a match which could finally see the Malta team grab a point or more.
Ghedin's contract was due to expire in December but Ghedin confirmed that his decision to leave his post after the Slovakia qualifier was taken in joint agreement with the Malta Football Association.
Malta host Lithuania in their final home qualifier at the National Stadium on Thursday, October 5, before wrapping up their World Cup commitments with a trip to Slovakia on October 8.
Also present for the press conference was Malta FA general secretary Dr. Angelo Chetcuti, who paid tribute to the 64-yearold Italian coach, describing him as an excellent and professional coach and a true gentleman.
"I am sure that everyone will do their best in order to do the nation proud in the forthcoming important qualifier against Lithuania, which should be an excellent tribute platform" stated Dr. Chetcuti