Birkirkara sack coach Stefano De Angelis

Birkirkara FC have sacked coach Stefano De Angelis, the Premier League club announced.

The Italian coach had been at the helm of the club from the start of last season, but the team’s results in this year’s championship have not satisfied the club’s top hierarchy, who decided a change at the top of their technical management team was needed.

Birkirkara have opened their league campaign with two goalless draws against Valletta and Gżira United, a poor return in the eyes of the club’s top hierarchy following the heavy investment in the summer transfer window.

“Birkirkara FC announces that, by mutual agreement, the contract with Head Coach Stefano De Angelis has been terminated with immediate effect,” the club said in a statement.

“We thank coach De Angelis for his service to the Club, including leading the team to two finals last season, and wish him every success in the future.

“The Club is in the final stages of appointing a new Head Coach after finalising the shortlist of candidates, and further communication will follow in due course.”

De Angelis’ departure is an unlikely twist to his tenure, as he guided the team to the final of the Malta Premier Top Four and the FA Trophy last season.

Birkirkara have remained tight-lipped on who will be his successor, but it is understood that the club has lined up a list of coaches that could take the job, with one of the names being Gilbert Agius, the former Malta U-21 national coach.