The President of the Albanian Football Association, Armand Duka, expressed his enthusiasm for the success of the four Albanian teams in European competitions. During an interview for fshf.org, the head of the Albanian football government, praised the great performance of Tirana in Champions League and Teuta, Kukësi and Laçi in Europa League.
President Duka declared that the level of the championship has increased significantly, while the clubs confirmed that we have became more competitive in Europe. Furthermore, the head of the football government talked about the matters of investments, new talents that have grown and the formula for the new championship.
- President, how will you evaluate the performance of the Albanian clubs in Champions League and Europa League? What will you distinguish mostly from this success?
- The success of the Albanian teams in Europa League confirmed first of all, the fact that the quality of the national championship (Kategoria Superiore) has significantly increased and this is key. Facing teams from different countries in Europe shows that we have become more competitive, like never before. Especially the transfer wins of Tirana in Georgia and Laçi in Azerbaijan were the proof that success was not casual and the Albanian clubs have made improvements regarding management. We can also mention Teuta against Beitar Jerusalem and Kukësi against Slavia Sofia that made a great performance in the first round. They made us feel proud.
- Has the formula with 10 teams in Kategoria Superior affected the competition? What is your opinion regarding the management aspect?
-I believe that the formula with 10 teams of Kategoria Superiore is the most suitable and effective one. This formula has increased competition making the clubs to aim for quality and approaching young talents. The race was tough in the field, for those playing for the title and for those playing to survive at the bottom of the table. The competition had its positive effects. I can say that the Albanian clubs have improved the quality of management. If in the previous years we have had only one or two teams making a good performance in the European competitions, this year for teams have secured the qualification in Champions League and Europa League, demonstrating a good level and playing a decent match. I would like to underline the case of Tirana, that played great against Cervena Zvezda, with the latter that participated in the group state of Champions League last year and with a greater budget. They just were out of luck in that challenge. - What is your opinion regarding the investments in football during the last years?
– Investments in infrastructure have encouraged the quality increase. The Albanian Football Association has its focus in infrastructure and the project ‘’100 fields’’ can bring a sustainable development for the future of football. The great performance of the Albanian teams displays the improvement in the infrastructure of the clubs. If we continue with such investments, the future will be bright.
- This year noted a positive change regarding the talented players. Some of them were transferred abroad, bringing considerable revenues for the clubs and many talents excelled with their blues at the European competitions. Do you think that more trust should be given to the youth?
– Of course, what was noted during these matches was the fact that the number of talented football players has increased and this is great news. Tirana, Teuta, Laçi and Kukësi had within their teams many talented young players that came from the respective academies. - They showed great potential and strong character. I hope that the upcoming year be the same and this phenomenon continues in the years to come. Albania produces many young talents and it is a shame not to benefit from this investment.
- What will be the impact on the revenues that the clubs benefit from competing in the European competitions at the national championship?
– The qualifications will increase the financial capacities of the clubs and also the investments. I believe that these successes made the clubs understand the importance of investments and that a good job during the season can be translated into higher revenues. These benefits will strengthen the teams, especially the young academies that are the future of football.
