I read with utter disgust the public declaration reported to have been made by Malta’s football coach Fitzel at a press conference on Monday week to the effect that he would be satisfied if Malta were to lose by fewer than four goals in Copenhagen in their World Cup qualifying match.

Who does this coach think he is? His job is to build up the spirit of his players, to motivate them and to bring out the best in them.

Such a statement can only have a negative impact on the team in particular and on the country in general. Is that what he thinks he is getting paid to do? I doubt if there is one single player who doesn’t feel demoralised by such a statement from his coach.

The players need to be encouraged and to have their morale built up before any game and not be subjected to this lack of faith and confidence from their leader.

If he claims that this was merely said to shake them up, he would need to take an elementary course in Psychology.

I’ll bet you’ll never ever hear any other coach in the whole wide world make any such statement in advance of any game..

He should be fired immediately and relieved of his responsibilities without further delay.

Victor Portelli

Burlington, Ontario,

Canada