The constructive criticisms are positive , but slander and intrigues can harm us all. We don’t have the time and luxury to deal with empty debate and with ‘’critics’’ that impatiently wait for a defeat. In these circumstances , the national team more than ever needs your support.
Armand DUKA
President of the Albanian Football Association.
The qualification of Albania in EURO 2016 was a historic achievement , not only football wise , but for all Albanians. The enthusiasm and behavior of Albanian fans in France, was and added value not only in sports but also for the excellent image all over the world. EURO 2016 will remain not only the pinnacle of the results of the national team , but also a turning point and hope for the future of football.
But we have to accept that the expectations and the sensitivity for the results of the national team after the European Championship increased like never before. In other words , we raised the bar!
Football is a game of winners and losers. You can lose by playing well and the contrary. The latest results of the national team are not satisfying. Not only position in the table of classification. We could have done better , or more. But this is not an excuse for the negative spirit and the undeserved critics towards the team , the coach and any specific player. The same group of players that made us proud one year ago cannot be denigrated and reject overnight. The constructive criticisms are positive , but slander and intrigues can harm us all. We don’t have the time and luxury to deal with empty debate and with ‘’critics’’ that impatiently wait for a defeat. In these circumstances , the national team more than ever needs your support. We are composed with a group of talented players play with passion and desire for their country. Even if someone doesn’t play well one match or two , or makes a rashly declaration , cannot be attacked and considered ‘’an enemy’’. No one has the right to ‘’exclude’’ the players for the TV studios. This is an exclusive competence of the coach. We should offer to everyone the cooperation hand not only for the sake of their contribution but for the future of football.
On the other side , the team itself headed by De Biasi , should find strength in order to surpass the problems and return trust for the positive results. Everyone should understand that every player is important for the team, even when he is not playing. The decisions of the coach should be respected , but even a rush reaction should be understood. This is a moment of uniting the forces of everyone , above all the interest of the national team. Those fans who made us proud in France cannot damage the interest of football. What happened in Palermo doesn’t help anyone. On the contrary: has gravely damaged the image of our football .
The fans should return with dignity in the stadium, supporting their national team. The team needs its fans. The National team belongs to everyone. The Albanian Football Association is open to critics. The AFA will continue to play its role in support of the team and the coach.
We will continue the dialogue with the fan groups , because we have a common aim: The national team should unite us, not separate us. This national team deserves more respect, even in bad days.
Thank you !
