Our objective is to win – Gatt

By the look of it, this evening’s friendly against Liechtenstein is no more than a sparring bout between two of Europe’s footballing minnows but for Malta, this warm-up at the National Stadium has taken on added significance in light of Pietro Ghedin’s likely return as national coach.

Having been put in temporary charge of the national team, Robert Gatt, the MFA’s technical director, will doubtless strive to coax a lively performance and a commendable result from his players not only to get preparations for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers off to a good start but also, perhaps, to provide Ghedin, his close friend, with further encouragement to take the job.

“To a certain extent, this is not a normal game for me as I have a dual role as technical director and coach,” Gatt told reporters at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, yesterday.

“It’s a difficult task not in terms of stepping on to the pitch for training but rather how to manage the team, the selection policy.

“I’m only in charge for this game as we shall have a new coach by June. The result is always of utmost importance and our objective is to win the game.

“We can’t compare this friendly to that of 2008 (Malta thrashed Liechtenstein 7-1). This is a different game and we must concentrate on the task at hand.

“The majority of players in their squad are very experienced and they’ve been improving as a team. I believe that we’ve also made progress but, perhaps, not at the rate one desires.”

The presence of three uncapped players in Hibs midfielder Bjorn Kristensen, Sliema Wanderers goalkeeper Henry Bonello and Edmond Agius, Valletta’s industrious midfielder, reflects Gatt’s desire to infuse fresh blood into the squad.

Yet, his selection can hardly be described as experimental, given the inclusion of experienced players, including battle-hardened defender Luke Dimech who has not figured for the national team since the 4-0 loss to Sweden on June 10, 2009.

“We have a mixture of experience and youth,” Gatt said.

“All the new players will make their debut. We will try to come up with the right blend and pair the newcomers with experienced ones position-wise.”

Although this friendly is being viewed as an occasion for the players to catch the eye of the next national coach, Gatt reckons that consideration will not be uppermost in the players’ minds.

“The aim of every player is to perform at his best, regardless of who is coach,” Gatt said.

“That said, every episode in life counts and one can’t exclude that, at the back of their mind, the players will be driven by the thought of leaving a good impression. However, I’m sure that the new coach will run the rule over the players when he takes over.”

Gatt refrained from naming his starting XI but insisted that his selection holds “no secrets”.

“Seventeen players will be involved as unfortunately, UEFA didn’t give us permission to make an extra substitution, meaning that one player will not take part in the match,” he said.

Gatt has picked five foreign-based players but most of them have not seen much first-team action lately.

“This game is an opportunity for the public to see our foreign-based players in action,” Gatt said.

“Unfortunately, some have not been playing regularly but this is not because they are not up to standard but more due to the circumstances in which their teams are managed.”

Former Malta coaches Dusan Fitzel and John Buttigieg favoured a cautious tactical approach but Gatt hinted at a more adventurous plan against Liechtenstein who are 35 places above Malta (159) in the FIFA rankings.

Gatt said: “ The tactical system must suit the qualities of the players available. We have good strikers and we have to use them but that doesn’t mean that we will be ultra offensive.

“You’ve got to have balance in the team and we have to see if the attacking players can provide that when we are not in possession.

“I’m confident they can do this. My intention is to field our best players.”

Although Dimech has not appeared for Malta since June 2009, Gatt never doubted the defender’s potential.

“I’ve known Luke for many years,” Gatt said.

“I introduced him to the national U-16 and U-18 teams and he immediately showed he had potential.

“He’s only had a couple of training sessions with us but mentally and physically, he is prepared.”

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Justin Haber, whose first-team opportunities at Greek club Kerkyra have been few and far between this season, is expected to be given the chance to provide a reminder of his capabilities today.

In central defence, Dimech is likely to be flanked by Andrei Agius or Jonathan Caruana with Clayton Failla and Roderick Briffa deployed on the flanks.

Gatt’s willingness to refresh things with the introduction of new players could manifest itself in first-team starts for Agius and Kristensen with Andrew Cohen and Daniel Bogdanovic deployed on the wings.

Up front, Gatt may opt for a two-pronged attack of Michael Mifsud and André Schembri.

Mifsud pledge

Mifsud, Malta’s all-time leading scorer with 30 goals, is bracing himself for a taxing encounter.

“Liechtenstein have improved and they will be difficult opponents,” he said.

“We’ve watched them play in recent matches. As far as we are concerned, we always try to give our 100 per cent to gain a positive result.”

The Valletta striker captured the headlines after the 2008 friendly against Liechtenstein as he netted five goals in Malta’s 7-1 win.

“That night, we walked off the pitch with a big smile on our faces,” Mifsud said.

“The entire team played well but this is another game. Four years have passed from that friendly. We must respect our opponents and do our best.”

Malta formation (probable)
J. Haber, R. Briffa, A. Agius/J. Caruana, L. Dimech, C. Failla, E. Agius, B. Kristensen, M. Mifsud, D. Bogdanovic, A. Cohen, A. Schembri.

Referee: Mark Whitby (Wales FA).

Kick-off: 7.30 p.m.

Note: No entrance fee at the gates today.