Nations League: Gjimshiti targets first place against San Marino — “These matches build mentality,” says Maran

Albania’s national football team is ready for its second group-stage match in the Nations League. After an opening win over Belarus, the red-and-blacks wrapped up preparations in Tirana on Monday morning and traveled to San Marino in the afternoon. At the official press conference at the host stadium, the red-and-black coach and captain Berat Gjimshiti faced the journalists, analyzing the squad’s condition and the objectives for this away match.

“It’s not easy, but concentration must be at maximum. Most think it will be an easy game, but it is not, so we must be maximally focused. We haven’t had a good period, but we returned to good play. The goals are strong — we want first place; we must play together and give everything on the pitch,” said captain Gjimshiti.

According to Gjimshiti, the Nations League is a competition that offers a path to qualifying for the European Championship. “The Nations League gives us an option for the Euros. The first step was this last game, where we played a good match and won deservedly. The goals are strong — we want first place and the whole group must improve, play together and give 100% for 90 minutes. At this level, the game changes very quickly if you make a mistake. We step onto the pitch with the right mentality. We must be 100% ready. It depends on how San Marino plays, but even more on how we play. With the aggressiveness and quality we have, we will make it together. We need 11 players on the pitch; those coming off the bench will be very important tomorrow. That must be our strength tomorrow,” Gjimshiti added.

“We must face such matches with the right approach. These matches help build a team’s mentality. We must take this game calmly. A lot of respect for San Marino. This gives us the chance to take the right measures for situations that may occur during the match,” he said.

“The important thing is to play the best possible game and show what we have prepared. Situations must be read. The best choices must be made, depending on how the opponent plays,” said Maran.