Foda: I want to create a team hungry for success

Kosovo national team head coach Franco Foda and national team manager Bajram Shala spoke today at a press conference ahead of the next four Nations League matches, against Ireland (on September 24), Austria (on September 27), Israel (on October 1) and Austria again (on October 4).

Foda said the squad will prepare to the maximum for the challenges ahead, stressing that his and the players’ aim is to seek victory in every match.

“We can hardly wait for these matches and we will prepare to the maximum. In every match we go in with the desire and the aim to win,” said Foda.

He also touched on the absences in the squad, mentioning injuries and the withdrawal of several players, but stressed that his confidence remains complete in the 27 players called up.

“We are missing some important and experienced players. Rexhbeçaj and Muslija will also be unavailable due to injuries. However, we have 27 players in whom I have complete confidence, and I am convinced that with this group we can play good matches,” said the head coach.

Foda stressed that the coming days will be important for determining the lineup and preparing the squad.

“This is football: there are injuries, there are departures, but at the same time new opportunities are created for young players. Now it is their turn to seize this opportunity and show their worth,” he said.

Part of the press conference was also devoted to the decisions of Amir Rrahmani and Florent Hadërgjonaj to withdraw from the national team.

Foda revealed that he had been in contact with Rrahmani and had tried to persuade him to change his decision, but in the end respected his choice.

“Rrahmani contacted me and we talked. I tried to change his mind, but he had made his decision and we must respect it. I thank him for his contribution and wish him all the best going forward,” Foda stated.

As for Hadërgjonaj, the head coach said he learned of his decision through the media.

“Hadërgjonaj did not contact me personally, and I was informed of his decision through the media. Of course, I must respect his decision too. However, every player I invite to the squad has my complete confidence. Every player must understand and accept that a national team call-up gives them the opportunity to be part of the team, but does not guarantee playing time in every match. Decisions on who plays are always made in the interest of the squad,” said Foda.

The head coach stressed that the focus is now on the players who are part of the squad.

“For me it is essential that every player who wears the Kosovo shirt plays with heart and gives 100 percent for the national team,” he said.

Meanwhile, Foda also spoke about the issue of the Kosovo national team’s new captain. He said he would discuss this decision with the players, considering it an important matter for the group.

“As for appointing the new captain, I will discuss this matter together with the players. It is an important decision for the squad and we want to address it first within the group and, jointly, make the decision we consider most appropriate for the team,” said Foda.

The German head coach asked the players not to rely on past results, but to focus on the upcoming challenges.

“Football does not live on the past, but on the present. In every match we must prove from scratch that we are ready, motivated and capable of achieving results. We have three very strong opponents ahead of us and, despite the absences and withdrawals, we will do our maximum to find the right form and rhythm of play,” he added.

Foda stressed that the balance sheet will be assessed after this cycle ends.

“In the end, after six matches, we will count the points won and see where we stand. Until then, our focus must be only on the next match and on giving our maximum for Kosovo,” he said.

The head coach said he was pleased with the current form of Kosovar players at their clubs.

“I am very pleased with our players’ current form and with the performances they are putting in at their clubs. I have spoken with Vedat, but also with Edon, Zabërgja and Krasniqi. They are all motivated, feeling well and enjoying a very good period with their teams,” said Foda.

He also praised the alternatives he has in the attacking department and revealed that Asllani is in a good phase of recovery.

“It is very positive for us that we have competition and enough options in several positions. Now it is important that they bring this form to the national team as well and put it at the service of the team,” Foda stressed.

At the end of the press conference, Foda expressed his gratitude to Fidan Aliti and Valon Berisha for their contribution to the Kosovo national team.

“I want to express my special thanks and gratitude to Fidan Aliti, for his contribution and excellent performances in the Kosovo national team shirt. He has given a lot to this team and deserves full respect for everything he has done for the national team. I also want to thank Valon Berisha, who has been an important part of our history, scoring the historic goal against Finland. He chose to represent Kosovo, leaving the Norway national team, and for this, as well as for all his contribution in our shirt, he deserves our gratitude and respect,” Foda concluded.

Shala: Rrahmani’s contribution cannot be erased, but his latest decision is unjustifiable

National team manager Bajram Shala also spoke about Rrahmani’s decision, thanking him for the contribution given during ten years with the Kosovo national team, but saying his action is unjustifiable.

“On behalf of the FFK we thank Amir Rrahmani for all the contribution he has given to the national team as a player. Regardless of how unacceptable his latest action is for us as a federation, this does not erase the great contribution that Amir has given as a player for 10 years, being part of the national team for a very long period also as team captain. However, neither the period nor the contribution he gave as a player can justify his latest action, especially the way this action came about,” said Shala.

He revealed that he had been constantly in contact with Rrahmani and that the FFK had even offered the possibility of visiting him in Naples.

“I have been constantly in contact with Amir for a long time. I tried to address all the criticisms and eventual remarks that Amir may have had. We even offered to go to his home in Naples, visit him and discuss this matter. Amir was not willing,” said Shala.

According to him, one player’s decision cannot condition the functioning of the national team.

“The national team cannot be conditioned on anyone’s presence or absence. We have 27 players here who deserve our attention,” Shala stressed.