The Albania national football team has begun its training camp ahead of the upcoming friendly matches against Israel national football team and Luxembourg national football team.
Myrto Uzuni and Juljan Shehu spoke to the media at Air Albania Stadium, discussing the June fixtures, the beginning of a new era under head coach Rolando Maran, the positive atmosphere within the squad, and the national team’s objectives for upcoming competitions.
Uzuni spoke about the start of the new cycle under Maran, praising the more attacking approach of the new coaching staff and the strong competition within the squad. The Albanian forward also emphasized that the team’s goals remain clear: finishing first in the UEFA Nations League group and qualifying for the UEFA Euro 2028.
How was the first meeting with the new coach, and what is the atmosphere like in the team?
“Obviously, it’s a new coaching staff, and the system is different as well. With the new coach, I can play in a more attacking role. As has happened in the past, when we’ve had an attack-minded coach, we’ve scored more goals.”
Your future: will you stay in the United States or return to Europe?
“I have a contract with Austin FC. I received a very good offer in January and the transfer was almost completed, but in the end it fell through because Austin did not bring in many new players.”
A new cycle under coach Maran?
“Of course, everyone will try to prove themselves. Everyone has quality, and every player can be a starter because they are among the best players in Albania. As I said, everyone has the opportunity to earn a place in the starting lineup.
I also want to wish coach Sylvinho success. We achieved important results together. As for the new coach, as you can see from his experience with previous teams, his forwards have scored many goals, and I hope the same will happen with the national team.”
Do you share the coach’s objectives—first place in the Nations League and qualification for Euro 2028?
“When you play for the national team, you always have goals because you are playing for your country. We want to finish first in the Nations League and qualify for the European Championship. These are the goals that drive us forward. If a player does not have the hunger and desire to play in the European Championship and to win, then he is not welcome in the national team.”
Juljan Shehu on the New Coach, Competition Within the Squad, and the Importance of the Upcoming Friendlies
Juljan Shehu spoke about the arrival of the new national team coach, the growing competition within the squad, and the importance of the upcoming matches as part of preparations for the UEFA Nations League fixtures in September.
Shehu’s Position on the Pitch Under Maran
“Every coach has their own ideas and views regarding the positioning of players on the field. I still don’t know whether I will play in a more advanced role or in the same position as before. I will continue to give my maximum for the national team and contribute as much as possible to the squad. If I play further forward, I will give my best, but even if I continue in the same role, I will still do everything I can.”
Should Anything Change in the National Team with Maran’s Arrival?
“Every coach who joins the national team has their own ideas and wants to build the squad according to their philosophy. Naturally, there may be changes because it is a new coach, and that is completely normal.”
The Importance of the Friendlies Against Israel and Luxembourg Ahead of September’s Challenges
“I hope these two matches will be very important for us in terms of the continuity we want to build ahead of the Nations League campaign in September. They are two important fixtures, and we must do our best to establish our identity under the new coach.”
New Arrivals and Increased Competition
“Every new player who comes into the national team deserves to be here. Every position and every place in the squad is open to everyone. The player who deserves it most will play, and competition is good for the team.”
