The national team coach, Maran, expressed satisfaction at the post-match press conference after the 2-0 win over Finland, praising not only the result but also the team’s performance. The coach stressed the importance of consistency and urged the players not to lower their tempo and to maintain the same level in the next match against Belarus. Maran said the team should enjoy the success, but without losing focus on the upcoming game.
“We must enjoy the win now, after the match. Tomorrow we will focus on Belarus. I am happy because we pleased the fans, who celebrated with us. I am happy not only for the result, but also for the game,” he stated.
Regarding the individual performances of the footballers, the coach praised the contribution of several players, singling out Pilo, Hysaj and Mitaj, who is adapting to a new role on the pitch.
“It’s not only Pilo, but also the other players who did well. Likewise Hysaj on the other flank, and also Mitaj, who is playing a role he has not played before. Different players have put in very good performances,” Maran said.
The coach also addressed the tactical aspect, stressing that the team must maintain intensity throughout the match and not allow the opponent to benefit from moments when the tempo drops.
“We must not lower the tempo. We must always put the opponent under pressure and not leave any space. When we lowered the tempo, it put us in difficulty. We have seen it in the past,” the coach emphasised.
Maran considered the clash with Finland a balanced match, but praised the team’s improvement in the second half, especially in the attacking phase.
Finally, the coach also commented on Muçi’s goal, placing its importance for the team above the beauty of the finish. He also praised the contribution of Laçi, who, according to him, managed to interpret the role between the lines correctly.
“Regarding Muçi’s goal, I always choose importance over the beauty of the goal. Muçi has beautiful goals in him. He feels important for the team and perhaps needed this. Laçi found the right connection to the match. We needed a player who plays between the lines to put the opponent in difficulty, and he did it in the best way,” Maran concluded.