Exclusive: Giovanni Tedesco to take over at Gzira United?

After Head Coach Andrew Cohen departed from Gzira United by mutual consent, The Maltese Herald can exclusively reveal that one of the main contenders’ to take over at the Maroons is former coach Giovanni Tedesco.

In an emotional statement posted on his FB account, Cohen revealed that he was leaving the club after a frank discussion with the President, Sharlon Pace.

“After much thought and a discussion with Club President Sharlon Pace, we’ve mutually decided that parting ways is in the best interest of Gzira United.

My journey with this club began in January 2017, first as a player, then as an assistant coach, and finally as head coach midway through last season. I hold many great memories with Gzira United, and I’ll always cherish every moment spent here.

I want to thank everyone involved in the club for their support and dedication, and I wish them all the best for the future. Now, it’s time for me to take a rest and enjoy time with my family”.

Well-travelled Tedesco could be ideal fit for beleaguered Gzira

The popular Italian coach had a previous stint with Gzira having coached for 20 matches in the 2019/20 season. He also had spells with Hamrun Spartans and was most recently at Birkirkara where he resigned in the 2023/24 season after 51 games. However, his longest stint was with Floriana where he coached for no less than 53 matches between the 15/16 and 17/18 seasons.

This is Giovanni Tedesco’s full coaching history:

Club/Position         Date Started            Date Ended              Matches       Points average

Al-Mesaimeer

Manager       24/25 (Aug 16, 2024)       24/25          4                                     0.75

Birkirkara FC        Birkirkara FC

Manager       21/22 (May 18, 2022)       23/24 (Nov 26, 2023)       41       1.85

Santa Lucia FC         Santa Lucia FC

Manager       21/22 (Jan 26, 2022)         21/22 (May 16, 2022)       16       1.56

Ras Al-Khaima         Ras Al-Khaima

Manager       21/22 (Aug 14, 2021)       21/22 (Sep 20, 2021)        –           0.00

Sirens FC       Sirens FC

Manager       20/21 (Dec 14, 2020)        20/21 (Apr 12, 2021)        14       1.36

Al-Bataeh CSC         Al-Bataeh CSC

Manager       20/21 (Oct 1, 2020)           20/21 (Dec 13, 2020)        –           0.00

Valletta FC    Valletta

Manager       19/20 (Feb 19, 2020)        19/20 (Jun 13, 2020)        3          2.00

Gzira United FC       Gzira Utd.

Manager       19/20 (May 22, 2019)       19/20 (Jan 21, 2020)         20       1.60

Hamrun Spartans   Hamrun Spart.

Manager       18/19 (Jul 1, 2018) 18/19 (May 17, 2019)       27       1.70

Floriana FC   Floriana

Manager       15/16 (Jun 16, 2016)        17/18 (Dec 3, 2017)          53       1.75

US Palermo  US Palermo

Manager       15/16 (Jan 25, 2016)         15/16 (Feb 10, 2016)        3          0.67

Birkirkara FC Birkirkara FC

Manager       14/15 (May 31, 2015)       15/16 (Dec 10, 2015)        20       1.65

Floriana FC   Floriana

Manager       13/14 (Apr 8, 2014)          14/15 (May 9, 2015)         37       1.59

Foligno Calcio          Foligno

Manager       11/12 (Jun 27, 2012)        12/13 (Sep 24, 2012)        6          0.67

US Palermo Youth  US Palermo Yout

Manager       11/12 (Jul 1, 2011) 11/12 (Jun 26, 2012)        –           0.00

US Palermo  US Palermo

Team coordinator  10/11 (Jul 6, 2010) 10/11 (Jun 30, 2011)        –           0.00

Other options also being considered as an alternative to Giovanni Tedesco

Sources who spoke to this news portal on condition of anonymity said that the appointment of  Giovanni Tedesco was close although other options were also being considered.

Gzira United will be playing in the Bottom 6 Group Phase of the 360Sports Malta Premier after having lost their final match against Hamrun Spartans with two late goals. They had only needed a point to qualify for the Top 6.