National coach Dusan Fitzel blasted his own players yesterday saying that there was nothing positive in last Saturday’s 3-0 defeat against Denmark in Copenhagen.
Addressing the press at Ta’ Qali yesterday, Fitzel said it was logical that everyone felt disappointed not only with the result, but also with the performance of most of the players. “I am the most disappointed person at present. It is no joke having conceded 10 goals in three matches and scored no goal! Believe me, it is very painful.
“I am fully responsible for the recent performances, especially the defeat in Copenhagen. However, so far, I cannot understand what has happened. Moreover, let us not forget that I also have a selection problem. After such a performance, I would change six players, but due to our limitations, that is not possible,” he argued.
And added: “I understand the fans’ disappointment. They have to be disappointed. They always want the side to win, but the reality is somewhat different. On Saturday, my players did not do what was expected of them. I had shown them clearly what they had to do before the match, but we created nothing,” he said disappointingly.
Fitzel went on to say that he was responsible for what happened in these last three matches, but he wanted to be realistic. “I have forgotten the last Euro 2008 qualifying matches. Those are in the past. Now we have another match on Wednesday and I have 23 players. We all have to do everything within our capabilities to obtain a positive result, if that is possible,” he said.
The national coach was certain that Hungary would be coming over to win the three points. “The match two years ago when we won 2-1 was one thing. Tomorrow’s match is another. And I am sure it will not be easy,” he added.
Striker Michael Mifsud also addressed the press and said: “We knew before the Denmark clash that it would have been a very difficult clash. Our 100 per cent was not enough. We created nothing. On Wednesday we have another battle once again as it is obvious the Hungarians will be coming to Malta for the three points. Everyone wants to win against us. I and my team-mates are hopeful that we can rise to the occasion.”
And South End Core representative Louis Agius again appealed to the supporters to go to the Stadium and give their full support to the team.
He said: “It is a difficult moment for the national team. Yet we are still behind them and will do our best to give them full support. We also ask the players to feel proud to play for their country and honour the jersey they will be wearing.”
Malta squad
Goalkeepers: Mario Muscat, Justin Haber, Andrew Hogg
Defenders: Ian Azzopardi, Shaun Bajada, Roderick Briffa, Jonathan Caruana, Luke Dimech, Brian Said, Kenneth Scicluna, Stephen Wellman, Aaron Xuereb.
Midfielders: Gilbert Agius, Roderick Bajada, Cleaven Frendo, George Mallia, Udo Nwoko, Jamie Pace.
Strikers: Etienne Barbara, Michael Mifsud, Terence Scerri, Andre Schembri, Ivan Woods.
Sale of tickets
The pre-sale of tickets for next tomorrow’s clash against Hungary at Ta’ Qali ends today. Tickets will only be available on the day of the match, depending on availability, from the stadium selling points.
Tickets at the North and South Stands are selling for the popular price of Euros e, Tickets at the Millennium Stand cost e8, while at the Enclosure, there are tickets for e12 and 25.
Meanwhile tickets for the West 'B' VIP are only available from the MFA Headquarters at e75.
The Malta-Hungary will kick-off at 7.30pm.
It will be controlled by referee Johannes Valgeirsson from Iceland who will be assisted by Olaf Ingvar Gudfinnsson, Johann Gunnar Gudmundsson and fourth official Magnus Thosisson.