Manaj: We want first place in the group; rivalry is a good thing — on Broja and Bajrami’s absences: football is about moments

The Albanian national team began its training camp today ahead of four Nations League matches to be played in September and October.

Coach Maran, after announcing the list of called-up players for the clashes with Belarus, San Marino twice and Finland, started working on the pitch with his squad today.

Striker Rey Manaj, who appeared at the press conference alongside midfielder Ylber Ramadani, stressed among other things that the objective is first place in League C Group 1. He said the real Albania will be seen in these matches.

“The recent friendlies are different from the matches we will play now. The friendlies came after the end of the season, with our minds on vacation. Plus we came after the match with Poland and were upset about not achieving our objective. The real team will be the one we see in the Nations League, where I hope we do our best to reach first place in the group. The objective is to get into the European Championship. The group comes at a good moment. I believe these matches will help us a lot; the coach has done a good job, he came here with great desire.”

“Rivalry for the lineup? It’s a good thing for the national team. We come from a good moment and that is good for the team. The absences of Broja and Bajrami? Football is about moments; every player who comes here must give their best, each has their own qualities.”

The Albanian national team’s first match is against Belarus, played on September 26 at the “Air Albania” stadium.