The Albania national team coach, Rolando Maran, has explained his decisions regarding the squad list, stressing that the main criterion in selection was the form and playing time of the footballers with their respective clubs.
In his statement, the Italian coach also addressed the absences from the squad, emphasizing that not being called up does not mean that the players left out do not have the qualities needed to help the team.
“I have relied heavily on the form and playing time that the players have had with their clubs. If any player is missing, this does not mean that he is not capable of helping the team,” Maran said.
The Red and Black coach also spoke about Albania’s statistics in League C, highlighting the team’s positive progress both offensively and defensively. According to him, Albania ranks first for expected goals scored, as well as for the lowest number of goals conceded.
Another issue discussed was Ivan Balliu. Maran made it known that the defender has had physical problems for some time and that the decision to withdraw from the national team was a personal choice of the footballer.
As for goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha, the coach revealed that he is still not in optimal physical condition.
“He is not at 100% of his condition. If we were to activate him, we would put him in difficulty,” the Italian coach stated.