Albania–San Marino, Maran: The chances for first place are the same

The Albanian national team coach, Rolando Maran, spoke to the media at the press conference on the eve of the match against San Marino, which will be played tomorrow at 20:45 at the “Air Albania” stadium.

The national team coach praised the team’s progress and the players’ dedication in preparation, stressing that the team is growing and creating an ever more consolidated group. On the eve of the match with San Marino, coach Maran stressed that Albania will continue to fight for first place, seeking to keep the same desire, concentration and approach shown in the match against Finland.

How satisfied is the coach so far and what grade do you give the team? – When I hear it said “simple” I shudder, because there is no simple match. There can be matches that are a bit harder, or more demanding, or less demanding, but there are no simple matches in football. Of course, against San Marino we lowered the tempo a little. We played well in the first 20 minutes, we even managed to score, and it was a kind of calculation, let’s say, in relation to what we had done up to then.

I think we have made good progress from the first match onwards. Against San Marino in the first match, after we had secured the victory, we had to make some changes to preserve and manage fatigue as well. This approach served us a lot against Finland, where we played for a long time with 10 players. I think we played a good match. My aim is for the team to apply what we have prepared. I am very pleased with what I have noticed. Their desire and commitment to be active in every minute of training, the video meetings and every analysis we have done. It is not easy or achievable to find chemistry in a group. But I believe we have managed it. I notice this desire to see a growing team in the players. I am very pleased about this.

Have you decided who will play in goal tomorrow? – In fact, all players can make mistakes. For goalkeepers it is a bit more decisive, because it also affects the result of the following match, but in fact I have a lot of confidence in all the players and goalkeepers I have.

I am sorry I cannot have goalkeeper Etrit Berisha available, who is suspended because of a red card, just as Alen Sherri, who came off in the match against Finland with a muscle problem and will not be ready.

I can confirm that Mario Dajsinani will play. I would have liked to have both goalkeepers, but I believe it will be a very good chance for Dajsinani. I have a lot of confidence in him.

How is the situation with Kerjota? – He has characteristics that can make Kerjota useful for the team. It was the case of Samuele Sina, who had the chance to be a starter. Kerjota could have had a chance too.

He is a player I am sorry I have not yet had the opportunity to give space to. He was called up because he is a player I wanted to get to know better. I like him and he has quality. It is a bit difficult to become part of it when a group is so formed.

It is a good thing he has been part of the training sessions. We have seen him training, we have seen his qualities; I cannot say it is a burnt or exhausted case, because there may be space going forward. I have spoken with the players and let them know that their journey with the national team could be a bit different from that of the other players who have already been called up. I am aware of everything we have discussed and agreed up to now.

Pilo and Mitaj on the flank? – They are two players who give me defensive cover and thrust, since Pilo goes forward more, but Mario also uses his abilities when he sets off from behind. When I decided to field them from the start, I had thought about it before the first match. Then we had problems with absences and did something different, because I thought I had few alternatives in some roles. We managed to do it successfully, because we risked little and created a lot. In Finland we risked more than them even when we were at a numerical disadvantage. We held the pitch, we conceded two goals from free kicks, we did not concede a single shot on goal and we were dangerous from start to finish. It is to these players’ credit.

Kristjan Asllani’s position on the pitch? – Sometimes the pitch gives you solutions, as does the opponent. We try to impose our identity, but there are cases when the opponent gives you opportunities and spaces that others do not give you. Then, the position of the midfielders also depends on the way they defend. We try to do what we have always done.

What are the chances of reaching first place in the group? – The possibilities for first place are the same. I think the episodes had an impact, because it was a match that was going the right way, but episodes have an impact. They have not changed our chances. I am honest: as soon as the team entered the dressing room, I complimented the players. I told them to keep their heads up, because if we go onto the pitch with the same behaviour and the same desire to play football, as we did in Helsinki, we should not worry about the result, but only be who we are, with this behaviour and this attention.