In the premises of the Albanian Football Association, President Duka presented the new manager of Albania, Mr. Edoardo Reja.
President of AFA Armand Duka during the questions from the media declared: ‘’ I think we have made the right decision. An experienced coach will give what we need the most , because we have many players that play for good teams but we need an expert coach to place them in the field. The coach told what we discussed in Shkodra, but after the match I asked for his opinion, if he knows Albania, if he has seen it before, but without thinking of him. At that moment I had an idea for a potential candidate for the National Team. Afterwards we exchanged calls and together with deputy president Lutfi Nuri and Mr. Shulku met with him in Bologna. What convinced me the most was the huge experience of Edy Reja and the fact that he had a lot of information for the players of the Albanian team and not only for those who played in Shkodra. In both points of view I wouldn’t say no to the return of Lenjani, and that thrilled me personally and all the Albanians. Secondly, I wound condition the coach in his selections. While the invitation for Lenjani has gone out of the deadline’’
Coach Edoardo Reja, answering the questions of the journalists, underlined: ‘’ I have a contract until November and afterwards we will see the conditions. I usually sign 1 year contract because the results are decisive. I had the opportunity to work in Italy but I wanted to coach a national team and the occasion came to be the manager of Albania. I want to congratulate Panucci for his work and I feel sorry that he left. Duka called me after the dismissal of Panucci and I am proud that a accepted the offer. I like to impose logical teams; I fancy aggressive teams but not always. This is a job that I should do in little time. It depends from the situation, from the group. What kind of incentive should a player have!? During the years of my experience I can understand and go under the skin of the players. This kind of work requires a faster harmony with the players, since you don’t have them all the time. Get me some time to know the team and we will see about the results. The financial aspect is not related to this case. It goes on the second plan for me. It is important to build a group that can identify the nation. Let’s see, if the project works this will depend from the association. There is no problem. We have a clear objective, to be part of the European Championship and make a good representation. There are a lot of matches to be played, for me, the team, for everyone. I saw that the team plays with 4 defenders because it guarantees more. I always play with 3 defenders but we should see the module of the game. I don’t want to change the philosophy of this team and the team of De Biasi. It is important for the team to work. De Biasi is the latest history of Albania; I am also friends with Panucci. I have spoken with De Biasi for details because we have an excellent relationship. He told me fantastic things for Albania and this because he had good results here. I think I should applaud what he did for 4 years here. Tramezzani should be praised too, because he used to by my player. I know Gjimshiti too, because I followed him when he came to Italy and now is playing at Atalanta. Albania is a beautiful country to live. We coaches need a time to relax. For example, Durresi is close (laughs). I will be in Albania, because I want to know everything that happens here. I want to stay here because I want to know my situation here and by partners.
I think that Albania has a lot of potential. I believe that this team can do well. I always seek for the maximum from the players. Every player should do their best to be subtle. I wouldn’t punish an important player. I have coached more than 1000 players. When the national team calls upon a player he should be punctual. I have seen that the Albanian players can play well in all Europe. Everyone will be followed up closely, for the best. Italian coaches have succeeded everywhere. Anceloti won everywhere. It is a cultural thing. You cannot say that the era of Italian coaches is finished. The coaches don’t play the Champions League. Unfortunately we are not as we used to be. These are the questions of the moment. Juventus suffered the absence of players. It is the best team we have seen.
Lenjani has scored goals and has a great value for the team. He has scored 7-8 goals and for me he is a forward. Every player should be praised and let’s see their condition’’.
