Valletta part ways with first-team coach Thane Micallef

Valletta FC have parted ways with coach Thane Micallef, the Premier League club announced in a statement.

The Citizens have endured a mixed start to their Premier League season as the capital club picked up five points from their opening four matches.

After opening their campaign with a 2-0 win over Sirens, the Citizens suffered a 1-0 defeat to Sliema Wanderers.

Then the Whites needed a stoppage-time equaliser from Federico Falcone to take a 1-1 draw against Birkirkara before being held by Mosta to another 1-1 stalemate last weekend.

That draw against Mosta turned out to be the final straw for Thane Micallef’s future at the helm of the club as Valletta FC decided a change at the helm as they terminated the contract of their first-team coach.

“Valletta Football Club announces that the Club and Coach Thane Micallef have decided to part ways as the club has terminated his contract as Head Coach of Valletta Football Club,” the Premier League club said in a statement.

“We would like to thank Thane for his work and efforts with our club especially during a difficult time for the Club and we wish him nothing but only the best for his future.

“In the meantime Assistant Coach Juan Cruz Gil will conduct the upcoming training sessions until a new Head Coach is appointed in the coming days.”

With the BOV Premier League set for a three-week break to make way for the national team’s commitments in the EURO 2024 qualifiers, against Italy and Ukraine, the Valletta top hierarchy will step up its efforts to find an adequate replacement.

So far, no name has been linked with the Valletta FC job, but it would be no surprise if the Citizens will look to appoint a foreign coach as they look to step up their chase towards a place in European football next season.