On the eve of Malta’s decisive UEFA playoff second leg against Luxembourg, head coach Emilio De Leo and goalkeeper Henry Bonello addressed the media with a clear message: improvement in detail, stronger mentality, and belief could still turn the tie around.

Reflecting on the first leg, De Leo was candid in his assessment. Malta, he explained, had carefully reviewed the previous match and identified key shortcomings. “We missed the details,” he said, pointing to a lack of precision and attentiveness that ultimately proved costly. “We conceded two goals and did not score. We were not precise and not attentive enough.”

Despite the defeat, the coach highlighted that the performance was not without promise. Malta created several opportunities, and with better timing and sharper execution, the outcome could have been different. “We worked a lot on that—on timing and being more aggressive,” he noted, stressing the need for a more ruthless edge in front of goal.

Preparation for the second leg has centred on correcting those mistakes. The squad has focused heavily on missed chances and decision-making in key moments. De Leo emphasized that the approach will remain proactive: “We need to face the game with a good attitude—courageous and determined. The message to the players is to respect our game plan and express our abilities.”

The coach also acknowledged the quality of the opposition, while insisting Malta must concentrate on its own identity and strengths. “They are good opponents, but we need the desire to play and to show what we can do,” he added.

A notable development ahead of the match was the departure of midfielder Teddy Teuma, who returned to Belgium earlier in the day. De Leo praised his influence both on and off the pitch. “He is a leader and a qualitative player, but the message he left the team—the words he used—show that he believes in this group. That is a strong stimulus for us.”

The coach also underlined the importance of squad depth, highlighting the positive impact of substitutes in the first leg. “All players who came on did so with courage and determination,” he said, referencing the combinations and energy brought late in the game. With one final training session remaining, De Leo confirmed that decisions, including Teuma’s replacement, would be made after further evaluation.

While acknowledging that Luxembourg hold the advantage, De Leo remains optimistic. “One goal changes everything,” he stated, pointing to the psychological swing that could come with scoring.

Bonello echoed his coach’s sentiments, striking a balanced tone between realism and belief. He referenced Malta’s previous away victories against Luxembourg but was quick to stress that past results hold little weight. “Every game has its own story. Looking back won’t make a difference,” he said.

Instead, the goalkeeper called for focus on performance and accountability. “We had six clear chances. We need to be more attentive, avoid conceding, and make sure we score,” Bonello explained. He also emphasized the importance of mentality: “We need to enjoy the game. Personality will make the difference.”

Confidence, he admitted, has been lacking at times, but he remains convinced of the team’s potential. “I believe in this team. In the world of football there have been games decided in extra time—anything can happen.”

Closing the press conference, De Leo returned to a key statistic that underlined the first leg. “The most important data is that they were brave enough to score, and we did not,” he said. “There are many factors, but in the end, scoring is what counts.”

With pride and determination, Malta now prepares for a defining night. “We must show the right attitude and be proud,” De Leo concluded. “We are here thanks to the sacrifices of this team, and we must face our opponents with belief, regardless of their ranking.”