Today in Tirana there will be a match of the final, 6th round of the group stage of the Nations League Albania — Ukraine. A day before this meeting, the head coach of the Albanian national team Silvinho held a scheduled pre-match press conference.
— I have the impression that this is the only group among all the others in the Nations League where anything can happen before the last round and each team has chances for overall success if we are talking about the first or second place. All four teams in the group are teams that participated in Euro-2024, possessing strong individually skilled players.
I watched the match between Georgia and Ukraine. It once again showed that we have a strong team as an opponent, comprised of players with a high level of individual skill. But with all due respect to the Ukrainian national team, we are going to win. We are not thinking about any other outcome.
At the same time, we understand that this is football and anything can happen here. Even taking into account that we have the advantage of playing at home, with our fans. It will be very important not to concede. When you defend well, it's already an advantage. But we are not just defending with two or three players; we are defending as a team. All the players contribute to the game. With reliable defense and no conceded goals, you will always have a better chance to score and win.
We have prepared well, we will have support from the stands, so, I repeat, we will play for a winning result.
— How significant will the changes in your team’s lineup be compared to the recent match against the Czech Republic? And how does Yasir Asani feel after the injury in that match?
— The second match is always more difficult, as the team has few days for preparation and recovery. We need to understand the condition of each player to make a decision about the lineup.
As for Asani, we still need to assess his condition by discussing it with the team doctors. Today he will try to train. We'll see how he copes and how he feels after that. If Asani tells me that he is not 100% ready, we will have to make our own decisions regarding this.
— Have you thought about playing with two forwards against Ukraine?
— Playing with two forwards doesn’t mean that you will definitely have more chances and can score 2-3 goals. We need to find balance in the team, in its play. During the qualification for Euro-2024 a year ago, we did not play with two forwards even once. The probability of such a scheme for the match against Ukraine is certainly there, but it will also depend on the qualities of the players and their readiness. Overall, I prefer to play with one central forward.
— How will the upcoming match differ from the first meeting with Ukraine in this Nations League?
— Every match is special and unlike any other. Moreover, I repeat, this is one of the most balanced groups in the Nations League. Yes, and in the last game anything can happen. I watched the Georgia — Ukraine match, it was a strong game. All four teams in the group performed well in Europe. They are good teams, they have good coaches and players. We will try to win. We respect Ukraine, but this is the last game, we have a chance to finish first in the group, and we will make every effort to achieve that.
— How do you assess the chances of the teams in the group before the last round?
— Almost anything can happen. The only thing excluded is that the Czech Republic will drop to Division C and that Ukraine will finish first. That cannot happen. All opportunities are open for us and Georgia.
The Nations League is a very short tournament, with only 6 matches. And there is also such a balanced group here. Therefore, everything is so unpredictable. But we will go on the field with the thought that we have a chance to finish first. At the same time, of course, we understand that we are in for a very tough match. Ukraine has a very strong team, it is a beautiful team. But we are going to defeat them. We never enter the field with any fear of the opponent: we step onto the field to take advantage of all our opportunities. Our minimum goal is victory, our maximum goal is to finish first in the group.
The match against Ukraine is a final for us. And that is what I will tell the players first and foremost. Therefore, we must go on the field with heart and soul.
— What is stronger in your team: defense or offense?
— Our team is balanced. Indeed, we created less and defended more, but we did it well. We need to improve something in the attack. I mean not only the central forward; this applies to everyone. We need to evolve and make fewer mistakes, starting with the very first pass.
Alexander POPOV