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Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Sylvinho wearing the red and black flag celebrated the historic qualification of our National Team for the second time in the finals of a European Championship. In an interview for the prestigious Spanish magazine Marca, the Brazilian coach of Albania emphasized that these six months, he and his close staff will work like crazy to make a dignified appearance in the European Championship, where Albania has been drawn in Group B together with Spain, Croatia and Italy.
Sylvinho tells a little bit about his journey with the red and blacks, life in Tirana while revealing that he would take Rodri from Spain.
- How did Sylvinho end up in Albania?
"It happened during a dinner in Milan, I realized that it was a good offer in all terms. Then I traveled to Tirana and I liked it. We started working like crazy, so much so that only a short time ago I discovered the indescribable beauty of the south. I would not have imagined that I would work in Albania, but the world of football has these. There are cases when you sign a five-year contract and leave in the first year, and there are also cases when you sign for one year and stay for many years."
- What did you know about Albanian football before you worked there, or even about the Albanian language?
"I knew very little about football, but I soon realized that the project was the right one. I arrived in Tirana and saw that everything was ready, the structures were perfect. Then many national team players are part of Serie A or the most important leagues in Europe. Why not accept the offer?! There was no reason to say no.
As for the Albanian language, it is very difficult, but it is not that we need a translator. Everyone there knows Italian or English. Communication with the players is very easy."
-What is a typical work day like?
"I am with Doriva, who was a Celta Vigo player, and with Zabaleta. He moves more between Tirana and Barcelona. We work hard, go to the Federation and then to the hotel to watch the players' matches. The food then is very tasty, so the last 10 months have passed, but I am very happy. If you like football, then you also enjoy this life."
-The feeling of facing Spain, Italy and Croatia in Euro 2024?
"In these six months we will work like crazy, the fact that we are in Europe is a dream in itself. But we want more, players demand more. We will test ourselves to understand who we are, it is clear that it is a very difficult group, but we will try".
-Which player would you take from Spain?
"Only one. Spain has many, but I choose only one of them. I am talking about Rodri, he is a point of reference for Spain and for City. He is a great footballer".
-You have often talked about the World Cup, do you want to be the first coach to send Albania to a World Cup?
"Football has taught me that everything moves very quickly. I want to work and do things well, but I don't know for how long. I want the team to get used to competitions and competition. I want people to say that Albania is a difficult opponent. We have to be united and play with heart, that's how we qualified for the European. Let's see what the future has in store."
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