The defeat that Kosovo inflicted on Slovenia in Ljubljana was fatal for coach Matjaz Kek, as the Football Federation of Slovenia decided to no longer cooperate with him.
The news of the separation of the parties was announced on Monday, and now Kek himself, in an interview with the well-known Croatian media outlet Sport news, also spoke about the Kosovo National Team.
He expressed his desire for Kosovo to be part of the World Championship that will be held next year in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
“Now that Slovenia is not in the World Cup, I have no problem with who to cheer for at the World Cup. Everything is easier.”
Matjaz Kek
“I want Bosnia and Herzegovina to qualify, and Kosovo to pass,” he declared.
The Croatian journalist reminded him that Kosovo eliminated Slovenia from the World Cup, and the coach acknowledged the fact.
“Yes, it’s unpleasant that they beat us 2-0 in Ljubljana. Before that, we played our best game in Pristina and we should have won.”
The October match in Pristina had ended goalless, with the Slovenians having created more scoring chances.
At the end of the qualifiers, Kosovo ranked second and secured participation in the March play-offs, while Slovenia finished in third place.
Kek praised Kosovo’s level and the way the team functions.
“He showed me how small countries can function, with a smaller player base but with very good quality. He has acquired many players who play in Germany, Spain.”
“When you have 7-8 of them, you form a very good team. For me it was disappointing, but on the other hand I admit that in Kosovo they were better,” said Kek, among other things.
We recall that Kosovo plays Slovakia in Bratislava in the semi-finals of the ‘play-off’ and if it wins that match, it will host Turkey or Romania in the final, which will decide who will qualify for the World Cup./Telegraph/