The Albania national team coach, Rolando Maran, has commented on the selection of players from Kosovo to represent Albania, stressing that every player who agrees to wear the red jersey should be proud of this decision.
At the press conference, the Italian coach also addressed the cases of Elia Caprile and Gërxhaliu, who have received Albanian passports in recent weeks. Maran clarified that they have not been part of his plans until now, while not ruling out the possibility that the selections could be analysed again in the future.
“In fact, I have the red jersey, and whoever agrees to play for the Albanian national team is proud to play for this jersey. You have taught me this. Whoever chooses to play for the Albanian national team is proud to play for these colours.
Klidman Lilo? He is a player we are following. But I wanted to confirm these two matches, the block we have worked on in the first four matches. I am convinced of these players we have gathered.
At this point, Caprile and Gërxhaliu have not been part of our plans. But perhaps at another moment we will have an analysis of these selections,
We work every day to improve, there are some things that have not been done well, but this gives us motivation. I always try to find new ideas and solutions. The last match against San Marino has left some doubts, but this pushes us to improve and do better.
By doing something for the league, by taking players from the Superliga, we help raise the level of domestic football and, as it rises, better players emerge who can help the national team going forward,” Maran said.