"I chose to coach Kosovo because I believed it has potential and that we, together as a team can go places. Initially qualification from this competition was not our real objective but now that this is possible, our goal is to finish first and qualify. We are a young group but to stay on top we have got to work very hard. This is what we are doing, working hard so as to build a team strong enough for future international competitions. We will of course respect our opponents, in this case Malta. Speaking of Malta, one has to take into account that our opponents twice managed to get creditable draws against Azerbaijan. It was not easy for Malta to go straight into the Azerbaijan match in Baku after the 3-1 defeat in Pristina against my team. But they delivered and they surprised not only me but many,"  stated Bernard Challandes, Swiss head coach of Kosovo.

Kosovo midfielder Hekuran Kryeziu also spoke about his team's chances against Malta: "At this point we begin our last sprint in order to qualify. It is always nice to head the group and be on top but it is also very difficult keeping it. Malta performed well and did a good job in drawing 1-1 in Baku against Azerbaijan, so it will not be easy for us.  We have to respect our opponents but on the other side we definitely have to get the three points in Malta."