Coach De Leo wants his Malta players to approach Poland qualifier without fear

Malta national team’s head coach Emilio De Leo is looking at Monday night’s clash against Poland as another perfect opportunity for his team to continue their growth on the international scene.

The national team is facing a Polish side that are likely to finish in the runners-up spot in the group as their hopes of pipping the Netherlands for the automatic qualifying spot for next year’s World Cup finals, which will be played in North America, Mexico, and Canada, look remote.

At present, the Netherlands are in the driving seat as they are leading Group G on 17 points and just need to avoid defeat against Lithuania to seal their spot in next year’s finals.

Poland, who are guaranteed at least a play-off spot, must beat Malta, hope that the Netherlands lose and somehow overturn a goal difference deficit of 13 to take top spot.

The Maltese come into this match in high spirits following Friday’s stunning 1-0 win against Finland in Helsinki, courtesy of Jake Grech’s 81st-minute strike.

Looking ahead to the clash, De Leo stressed that although Malta will be facing a strong side, the team should not feel like victims.

“We can’t take the pitch as if we have already lost the match,” De Leo said.

“Poland is a very strong side, but this international window has given us something that we didn’t have in the previous ones.

“Our team has shown that we do have good technical qualities and we can express ourselves on the international scene. Thus, we cannot approach this match with fear.

“We are a team that is still in the process of reaching its maximum potential, and although results have not always been good, our performances have taken an upward trend.”

The Malta coach said that he is still assessing his players’ condition following Friday’s match against Finland. This is because the team only arrived in Malta on Saturday evening and yesterday’s training session was the only opportunity for him to assess his players before the match.

“One major plus for us is the return of midfielder Teddy Teuma and Ryan Camenzuli, who are very important players for us,” he said.

“The Malta coach also showed his appreciation towards Friday’s match-winner Jake Grech.

“When I decided to leave him on the bench, he had tears in his eyes, and that makes him a special footballer. It is no coincidence we are banking on him,” De Leo said.

On his part, Grech said scoring his first international goal was a double satisfaction, as it was not only his first goal for Malta but also earned the team their first away win in 12 years.

“Scoring for Malta was an incredible, indescribable emotion,” Grech said.

On the prospect of facing a star player of the quality of Robert Lewandowski, he said: “It’s an invaluable opportunity and always a chance to learn. We’re lucky to share the pitch with such legends, and you can only grow from these experiences.”