Sylvinho is no longer the head coach of the Albanian national team. During a press conference held this Tuesday at the “House of Football,” the President of the Albanian Football Association, Armand Duka, introduced the new national team coach, Italian Rolando Maran, while the Brazilian coach said goodbye to the “Red and Blacks” family for the final time.
Emotional, Sylvinho thanked President Duka for his trust, the Albanian Football Association, the technical staff, the players, and Albanian fans for their support and the shared journey over 3.5 years in charge of the national team.
“Thank you, President. For me as well, these are two emotional minutes. We have decided together to close this cycle — a cycle of three and a half years in which we worked very well to represent this national team, a nation.
A nation that welcomed me very warmly, and I thank you very much for that. Now I know Albania, Tirana very well, and I want to thank you all. I also thank the President for his trust, for the work, and of course the more than 100 people who work in this federation. Many know well what we have done. With some we had the chance to share lunches and dinners.
I want to thank the technical staff. All the players who have been part of this 3.5-year journey with us — we have all grown together. Of course, I also thank the very supportive fans of the national team, who have always been a very positive sign for us. We have always worked to do our best,” said Sylvinho.
The Brazilian coach also recalled his first message on the day he took charge of the Albanian national team on January 9, 2023.
“Today I do not have much to say. I remember that from my first day here — January 9, 2023 — I said something: ‘Spirit, heart, and sweat must never be missing.’ That is what I said on the first day, and together we achieved it.
I want to thank all of you who are listening to me today after 3.5 years, and I wish all the best to the new coach, Rolando Maran, congratulations on the new cycle. All the best to the Federation and to the President. Thank you very much,” he concluded.
