Maran: My ideas for the team are clear, I want our best game against Belarus

Coach Rolando Maran faced the press today ahead of the first Nations League match against Belarus. He emphasized, among other things, that he now knows the team and the players better and therefore believes in a good start to the competition.

The Italian coach explained some of his choices. Maran said he expects the team to do its best against an opponent that arrives in a very good moment.

“Belarus is a strong, compact team. They’ve had a good run, but I want to deal with my team. We respect the opponent, but we believe in our abilities. This week I saw the desire to move forward, to avoid mistakes. And that is very important.

Yes, tomorrow my adventure with Albania begins and I have the desire to do more. My ideas are clear. There have been some physical problems, some players left to rest, but whoever steps onto the pitch will step on with the right foot to have a good game.

Asllani? Some players couldn’t train in the best way and for that reason I tried some new things. I got good answers, it was an intense week. Beyond who will step onto the pitch, I have a lot of confidence. Asllani and Shehu will both be in today’s training.

We didn’t call up another player after Balliu’s injury, because we have players in the squad. Sina has shown he can play right-back, I’m not worried about that situation. Ismajli can also play right-back.

Now I know the players better, I’ve had more time. I’ve seen them up close, but also on video. I’ve gotten to know better each player’s characteristics, but it must be said they change over time. I’ve tried to call up those who are in the best shape, those most suited to the playing module.

Belarus arrives in a good moment and that means something. For us it must be a stimulus. We must increase concentration and care. I can choose based on the players and based on the situations. There are many matches in one match. No match ends the way it starts. We are prepared for every situation.

The result depends on many things; we must play our best game without losing balance. It doesn’t matter to have the ball under control every moment. In a match there are difficulties; we must be aware of the work we’ve done, without fearing anything,” said coach Maran.