Nations League: Careful Maran ahead of San Marino — ‘We must show them respect and play a serious match’

Albania play San Marino on Tuesday evening in their second Group 1C Nations League match, a game the red-and-blacks are clear favourites to win. Coach Rolando Maran, however, urged caution, saying San Marino deserve respect.

“Albania must play a serious match, with maximum concentration. These are matches that help you build the team’s mentality. You need special patience. That way you know what to do. We have a lot of respect for San Marino, and we will take the right measures for every situation that may arise,” Maran said.

Maran added that what the team must do is step onto the pitch and do its job regardless of the opponent: “As I said before, mentality matters when building a team. Of course we must go out on the pitch, whoever the opponent is, to do what we have to do, and we must not settle for just a few elements. Of course the ideal conditions must be created so that everything is taken seriously. What matters is the growth of the team in this case,” Maran added.