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Shkëndija e Tetovo made history by finishing 22nd in the UEFA Conference League to advance. In January, they will face their play-off opponents, either Lech Poznan or Samsunspor. However, no matter what happens, the red and black team from Tetovo has made an entire Albanian proud.
Fantasy player Arbin Zejnullai spoke about Shkëndija's performance in the European competition, but also about the goals and objectives of the team, in an exclusive interview with "Newsport Albania". The former Egnatia player has shown the most beautiful matches during this European adventure, while he has not spared praise for the team from Rrogozhina, with whom he was declared champion of the Albanian Super League.
Arbin, Shkëndija is experiencing a historic season in the Conference League. What has been the key to this positive performance and how much has the group's confidence influenced these results?
Of course, the belief that we can reach these levels has been one of the key points, but if you don't work hard, belief alone is not enough. I'm at the club where I grew up, I had won titles before, but I was held hostage by the groups or now as it is called the League phase in Europe. When I decided to return, I had a success like this in my head and now when we exceeded expectations, of course I am extremely proud and happy that I was able to contribute to these achievements.
As a footballer who is an active part of this European adventure, what emotions has playing such important matches given you and how has this influenced your personal and professional growth?
In addition to physical, technical-tactical work and everything that involves field work, I also attach great importance to the mental part. I have prepared for a long time, convincing myself that the maximum is required in every activity, whether in a training session, a championship match or a European match. When you enter the field with the conviction to show your best version, of course there will be no lack of results.
What has been the toughest match so far in the Conference League and what do you think made Shkëndija exceed expectations in Europe this season?
Every match had its weight and it took a lot of effort to be here. If we had failed the first qualifying match with TNS from Wales, we would not be here. Moving on, due to the fact that we reached the League stage, the match with FCSB in Bucharest was very beautiful and important. Then in the League stage, every match was a story in itself, but I can say that apart from the match with Rayo Vallecano, in all 5 other matches we were a competitive team and the 7 points collected do not correspond to the performances on the field. Ultimately, we deserved more.
From within the team, do you feel that Shkëndija can go even further in the Conference League and what are the realistic ambitions for the next stage of the competition?
In football there are surprises and we ourselves are the ones who have tried to make them. But, being realistic with ourselves is a virtue. Being in Europe in the spring is something wonderful. But, our priority will be the championship and the national Cup. Europe is a luxury that we should enjoy. But, when the matches come, we will certainly try our best, hoping for other surprises.
How does the team's preparation and mentality differ in European matches compared to the domestic championship, and what is most required of a footballer at this level?
We are professionals and we try to have the same approach, but to be honest it is almost impossible not to be affected. The preparation and work is the same, but the mentality is affected. From the environment, the importance of the matches, the name of the rival, the organization that UEFA requires, the interest of the media from home and abroad. There are many things that give you that beautiful feeling of being part of the cream of football.
Moving to the Albanian Super League, you have been part of Egnatia. How do you see the competition this season and do you believe that Egnatia has the potential and sustainability to be declared champion for the third time in a row?
Of course it is. Egnatia's successes are not accidental. It is a work of several years that is already bringing results. An ambitious, correct president with a clear vision for the path that the team should follow. For the good of the Albanian championship and Egnatia itself, I believe that there needs to be even stronger rivalry, more teams aiming for the title, for the country's most important teams to be at the top, along with new and ambitious projects and finally for us to see Albanian teams at the levels that this year are Shkëndija and Drita e Gjilani.
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