Mosta wing-back Clayton Failla said the huge influx of foreign players in Maltese football is one of the main reasons behind the national team’s struggles in international football.
Malta are facing the prospect of missing on another promotion in the UEFA Nations League following a disappointing defeat in Moldova last month that cost the job to national teams’ head coach Michele Marcolini.
Last week, the Malta FA appointed Davide Mazzotta, the former assistant coach of Devis Mangia, as interim national team coach, ahead of next month’s crucial League D clash against Moldova at the National Stadium.
However, Failla believes Malta’s struggles in international football go beyond the choice of a national team coach.
He said the disproportionate increase of overseas players in the Maltese Premier League is a major cause why the level of football has stalled in recent years.
Speaking on the eve of Mosta’s 360 Sports Malta Premier clash against Birkirkara, Failla said Maltese football was on a far higher level when he started his career 20 years ago.
“You cannot compare today’s level of Maltese football to when we only had three foreigners at each club,” the 38-year-old defender said.
“The level of football two decades ago was far superior. We had Maltese players of a very good level and the foreigners that were brought to our clubs were even better. Once it was decided that the number of foreigners should be increased, the quality of football here started to decline.
“When I won the Player of the Year award for the first time in my career, I was not even a regular member of the national team because the national coach could choose from a pool of 50 players of great talent. Today, may be we have ten Maltese players of a very high level.
“Today, 80 per cent of our squads are formed by foreign players and clubs just need to bring three or four players that can make a difference on the pitch, and you be competitive.
“Unfortunately, we are not giving importance to nurturing Maltese talent and that inevitably is hurting any hope to have a competitive national team.”
Turning his sights on the current season with Mosta, Failla said that the Blues have finally started to click into gear following the arrival of a number of quality overseas players but warned that they need to be at their best if they are to test Birkirkara.
“I am pleased to have been given the opportunity to play another season in the Maltese Premier League,” Failla said.
“The match against Birkirkara is a very important test for us as we can gauge ourselves against one of the best sides in the divisions. In the last two games, with the inclusion of a number of quality overseas players we have stepped up our game and the coach has more strength-in-depth.
“Still it’s important that we keep our feet rooted to the ground and make sure we give our 110 per cent if we are going to get a good result against a quality team like Birkirkara, anything less and the match will end badly for us.”
On his part, Mosta’s technical director Mario Muscat said that the club’s primary objective was to reach the top six.
“This year we boast a stronger squad than in previous years as we have players that can make the difference during a match,” Muscat said.
“I am also pleased that our squad has many young players who are improving week in week out. This season the championship is set to be a real battle, as there are no weak teams, so we need to be on our game every week.
“Birkirkara is a very tough side and led by a very good coach. I believe that we can give them a good run for their money but it’s important that we remain humble. Every point is important this year and competition for a top-six place is very harsh and consistency is key.
“Our main goal is to reach the top six and then we will see where this team can go. It’s a long and hard season but I’m confident that we can enjoy a very positive campaign.”
Mosta threat
On his part, Birkirkara coach Stefano De Angelis said that his team cannot underestimate the threat posed by Mosta.
“Mosta’s season started two weeks ago with their win over Ħamrun,” De Angelis said.
“They have added some quality players who gave the team a new dimension. It’s going to be a very tough test, and we need to be at our best.
“What I expect our players is to keep the same approach we had in recent weeks and ensure the high level of performances we showed in recent weeks.
“If you drop your levels of concentration it’s likely that you can lose against any team in the division, particularly against a team like Mosta who have beaten two quality sides in the last fortnight so it’s important that we are ready.”
Alessandro Coppola is enjoying a very impressive season with Birkirkara and the towering defender said the arrival of coach Stefano De Angelis has significantly lifted the fortunes of the team.
“Last year, I suffered a serious injury at the start of the season and I struggled to recover my best form,” Coppola said.
“Before the start of the season, I spent two months working on my fitness to ensure once I start working with the team I was ready. I feel in a very good condition but my good form is also thanks to my team-mates as everyone is working together during matches.
“The arrival of coach Stefano was a major boost for us as he has focused a lot on the tactical part of our game and that has made a lot of difference during matches.
“The teams is growing every week and I believe that the sky is the limit for this team. We are not setting any objectives at the moment but our focus is to take it one game at a time and try and win every match and see where we are at the business end of the season.”
