Ghedin: We have to forget performance against Czech Republic

Malta faces home side Austria today in the second encounter during this Austrian training camp.

In the first match last Friday, Malta succumbed to a heavy and very disappointing 6-0 defeat at the hands of a vastly superior Czech Republic side.

National coach Pietro Ghedin made it clear yesterday during a news conference that the side wants to forget all about that disastrous performance against the Czechs. “If we want to perform better against Austria, then we have to forget about last Friday’s performance,” said the Italian mentor.

Ghedin said that against the Czechs everything went wrong. “The result, perhaps, was too harsh on us, but we committed six mistakes and they resulted in goals. We deserved something better, but still, we have to forget all about it. This is another match,” he said.

Ghedin said he hoped every player in his squad would be in good condition. “We have to work for each other as we have to be very careful. This will also be a difficult match for us,” he stated.

Commenting about the Austrians, Ghedin said in his opinion, it was a long time ago that they had a good squad as they have today. “This could be their chance. All their players are of a certain good level and most of them play in the top championships in Europe. I saw some of their recent matches and I have been impressed with their swiftness and strength,” he added.

Also present for the news conference was goalkeeper Henry Bonello who played against the Czech Republic.

He also said they all wanted to forget about the Czech Republic match performance. “We have to think only about this match now. We hope to have a good game to compensate for last Friday’s pitiful display. We have to be very careful in such matches. The level is very high and once you make a mistake, you expect to be punished. I am sure we can play much better than we did last Friday,” he said.

Paul Fenech is the only doubtful starter in the Malta squad. He did not train with his team-mates yesterday after he suffered a slight injury in the match against the Czech Republic.

Also yesterday, the Maltese contingent was visited by the Maltese Ambassador to Austria, HE Keith Azzopardi.

The match is being played at the Worthersee Stadium and kicks off at 8.30pm. It is being transmitted live by TVM 2.