Recent divided opinions from a diverse section of not only football but sports followers on the island hit the news after the Malta national team wrapped up its commitments in the new UEFA Nations League Competition. 

Malta finished bottom of Group 3 in League D on three points from six matches played - three draws and 3 losses, scoring five goals in the process and conceding 14.  Kosovo topped the group, with Azerbaijan and the Faroe Islands managing the other placings.

Malta's bolder challenge ahead now lies with the recent UEFA EURO 2020 qualifying draw pitting our national team in Group F with the likes of Spain, Romania and the three Nordic countries of Sweden, Norway and, once again, the Faroe Islands.

The Malta Independent met up with Malta national team coach Ray 'Żażu' Farrugia to speak about all this and more.

Q: What can you tell us about the eight months you have been at the helm of the Malta national team. What has changed, in the good or bad, and how are you planning for the future?

A: I can say that I am very satisfied with the general progress achieved over these past eight months by the Malta team.  I am not happy about one thing - that of not having won at least one match during this UEFA Nations League group phase. 

In all we played six qualifying matches and two friendly matches. In my view I do think that we deserved to win our last UNL match against the Faroe Islands. There is no doubt about that, but I am still bitterly disappointed about not having registered a win. 

Despite the fact that a first win has not yet arrived, I am convinced that with the team I have around me, we can target bold objectives.  

We discuss any decision in detail very much as a team. I see the future as very promising, but things do not happen overnight. We have taken bold decisions, the most important being that of introducing young blood into the team. But decisions sometimes carry risks and we have done just that because the only way forward for Maltese football is that of introducing young players into the senior side. 

I would like to more see more young local talent going to play. Two very good examples are Zach Muscat and Luke Gambin. 

Q: But does the lack of playing time for these young players worry you?  A clear example is Kyrian Nwoko who is not playing regularly with his club Valletta.

A: Yes, it does concern me. But the only way forward is within this new generation - players like Matthew Guillaumier, Kyrian Nwoko, Juan Corbalan, Joseph Mbong, Jake Grech and others. Let me give you an example.  I introduced Nwoko during the last 15 minutes of the last UNL match against the Faroes. He was one of our best in those few minutes of play. I have now taken this decision that I will be introducing more young new faces. I repeat that there are risks attached to such decisions, but we have to look ahead to the future.

Q: How do you look at the general level of the foreigners with Maltese clubs?

A: I believe that there are good players but, on the other hand, there are others who are not of the required standard to play in our top division. I look at the situation as 50-50.

Q: As you know, Malta will face the likes of Spain, Sweden, Romania, Norway, and the Faroe Islands in the UEFA EURO 2020 qualifying Group F, starting in March. What are your views?

A: Everyone knows that we are in a very difficult group. Very tough indeed. The good thing is that we kick off our campaign with two home matches, against the Faroe Islands and Spain. The Faroe Islands match will again be most crucial. If we get off to a good start and a win, which is our main target, this would give us a big boost for the following matches. 

Again, we have to look to the future and bring in new young players. It could be that I and the current coaching team will not reap immediate rewards from this policy as young players need time to reach their full potential, especially at international level but whoever takes over in the future will find these benefits rewarding.

Q: We have seen you talk passionately about the Malta national team and Malta in general. Sometimes you get easily carried away with emotions. Can you tell us about this? 

A: I have always said this: the Malta national team does not belong to Ray Farrugia, but it belongs to all Malta and to each and every Maltese. What I am doing, I am doing for the future of Maltese football and because I love my nation. What I am doing is not for my personal glory. I would like to leave a legacy - that of seeing fans coming back to the stadium and enjoying Maltese football. It is not easy, on the contrary it is very difficult but again I am here to try and lay the foundations for a better and more competitive national team.

Q: Recently the Prime Minister of Malta voiced his concerns about Maltese sports in general, clearly showing his desire to see Maltese football and other sport disciplines succeed in the very near future. What are your thoughts about this?

A: This I must say is a very good interesting question. The PM was present at the National Stadium for the match against the Faroe Islands on 20^th November. People in general speak out when they see these things happening.  After the match the PM himself stated about the good performance of the Malta team and that we deserved more than a draw. The good thing is that the PM is backing our project and what we are working hard for and for this I thank him. This is the nice part of football.

Dr. Muscat is appreciating that we are taking the risk of introducing new young players into the senior team in order to build for the future.  You have to look ahead and not keep sitting at the starting line. We want a change and we are going to change. 

I do hope that Maltese football followers understand what this project is all about and not expect miracles at such an early stage. I duly acknowledge the fact that results have been lacking in years, but I ask the general sporting public to give us more time for this and for them to be patient. That is my biggest wish.

Q: You often refer the word "we". Does this refer to your team in general?

A: Exactly - yes, I always refer to my team and staff for the hard work they put in day in, day out. Unity is the order of the day for my coaching staff. Here I would publicly like to thank my technical staff, namely senior assistant coach Branko Nisevic, assistant coach Ronald Vella, goalkeepers' coach Charles Sciberras and performance coach Luca Pagani, Director of National Teams Ivan Vella, besides all the other staff members. They all know who they are!"

Q: Opinions about the national team have been diverse recently and unity seems to be lacking in a general way about Malta's senior national football team. What do you think about this?

A: Without collective unity you arrive nowhere. We Maltese are the first to criticise when results are not coming, but this is a big mistake. We have to join forces both in good and also in bad times. 

This is what we have in the Malta dressing room at the moment - a positive atmosphere - we are a united group.  Saying that we had the most important supporting factor - the full backing of the MFA led by the President Norman Darmanin Demajo. 

Everything I requested for the general improvement of the national team was implemented - new dressing rooms, chartered flights, etc.  The faith the President himself has in our national teams is driving him to big investments to see Maltese football improve more in the near future. 

I ask all Maltese to unite behind the Malta national team because we need all of you to make the difference for Malta to succeed in football as a united nation.

Let us all come together as one united nation with one big voice for Malta.