The Albanian national football team hosts Luxembourg in an international friendly match at the Air Albania Stadium on Saturday at 20:00, as reported by Pamfleti and Sports Mole. Both European nations enter the fixture following recent defeats and aim to build momentum ahead of their upcoming UEFA Nations League campaigns scheduled for September.
Albania seeks to snap a four-match losing streak, which includes a World Cup playoff semi-final defeat against Poland in March and consecutive friendly losses to Ukraine and Israel. National team coach Rolando Maran leads the squad for just his second match since taking charge approximately 20 days ago, according to Pamfleti.
Luxembourg also enters the match after a 1-0 friendly defeat against Italy on Wednesday. Managed by Jeff Strasser, Luxembourg previously secured back-to-back victories against Malta in March but lost all six of their World Cup qualifying fixtures, as reported by Sports Mole.
” I think some things were done well and some not so well. I expected that when you make changes, there might be difficulties. I have been the national team coach for about 20 days. I was clear that knowing the team is different when you train the players, listen to them and communicate with them. This is all a journey ,” said Rolando Maran, Coach of the Albanian National Team.
Maran addressed the team’s lack of offensive execution following recent friendly defeats where Albania failed to score goals against both Israel and Ukraine.
” We had 3-4 high-risk chances in front of goal. Hoxha, Ramadani and Mehmeti had chances, but perhaps there was a lack of precision. We need to balance ourselves as a team and improve important tactical elements for the next match ,” said Rolando Maran, Coach of the Albanian National Team.
The head coach identified defensive positioning as another area requiring immediate attention ahead of the weekend fixture.
” There are some things we need to improve. When we apply pressure, we should not allow spaces, especially on the wings. I believe that this improvement will come very quickly. In 3-4 days we have managed to understand each other well and find a common language .” said Rolando Maran, Coach of the Albanian National Team.
Maran emphasized that Luxembourg requires careful preparation and high focus from his squad during this training window.
” There are no easy opponents. We have to take to the field with great attention. This result matters and these two matches will be very key for our preparation for the September challenges .” said Rolando Maran, Coach of the Albanian National Team.
Regarding specific player personnel, Maran provided physical updates and commended defender Elseid Hysaj for his leadership and extensive national appearances.
” I don’t like to mention names, I want to appreciate the team’s work. However, Hysaj has a record number of matches and is one of those players who helps the team grow. Making so many appearances and continuing to give your best is to be appreciated .” said Rolando Maran, Coach of the Albanian National Team.
Maran also detailed tactical plans for midfielder Hasa, who received his first call-up to the national team.
” Hasa will be more in the middle of the field, to be more free in movement than as a winger. Maybe the midfield position would be the most suitable for him, but we have to work since it is the first time he has been called up for the national team .” said Rolando Maran, Coach of the Albanian National Team.
The manager concluded by evaluating the long-term significance of the upcoming friendly match for squad development.
” We need time and space to understand how the national team can develop further. This test will help me better understand the characteristics of the players. The Nations League is ahead and it is very important for us .” said Rolando Maran, Coach of the Albanian National Team.
Albania’s confirmed starting lineup features Alen Sherri in goal due to the absence of Thomas Strakosha, alongside outfield starters Arber Hoxha and Bujar Pllana, as reported by Koha and Sports Mole. Luxembourg’s projected lineup features captain Laurent Jans alongside Daniel Sinani leading the attack.