FLASH
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On the eve of the historic 2026 World Cup play-off match against Poland on March 26, the deputy coach of the Albanian National Team, Pablo Zabaleta, talks about the intensive preparations of the technical staff, the analysis of the opponents and the condition of the red and black players.
From directly following the players in Italy and Spain, to the detailed study of Poland, Ukraine and Sweden, Zabaleta emphasizes the importance of information, communication with the players and maintaining the balance between enthusiasm and realism. With optimism, but also with his feet on the ground, in his interview for “FSHF TV” he underlines that Albania has the quality and confidence to aim for a historic achievement: qualification for the World Cup.
– How are the preparations going for the play-off match in March?
– It's going very well. Especially this week, when we've been all staff working together. As we know, some coaches are here, I'm in Spain from time to time watching matches, or some others in Italy, but of course after 2-3 weeks we all meet, share information and, at the end of the day, this makes the job easier. It's been a very good week, analyzing the teams, watching our players. I'm happy with the way the week is going and what the future looks like.
-What stage of work are you currently in with the staff?
– We have been observing our players during our travels, but especially by watching the players’ matches. The members of the analysis department have brought us information on the 3 teams we could face in March. Poland is certainly determined, but we should also look at Ukraine and Sweden. It is important to have information about these teams, especially because they have had a change of coach and have new ideas. We have watched their matches. We are also taking care of the players; some of them have had physical problems recently, so we have also maintained communication through the doctor. Specifically, following up on our players has been the main issue this week.
-We have seen that you have followed and met closely the players of the National Team. What impression did you have?
– It’s true, we’ve been to Italy a few times to watch some matches. We’ve met Gjimshiti and Hysaj, two of the captains and key players of the national team. Sometimes we don’t get to see them often, especially from November to March, which is probably the longest period between one match and the other, and it seems like that connection with the players is lost a bit. You can watch matches live or from the office, but it’s always good for us to have contact with the players, face to face, to sit down for dinner or coffee and talk about what’s coming up. That’s been a very good, positive thing. Sometimes the players talk to each other as well; if you meet Gjimshiti, he’s talked to the other players and you can hear from him that they’re also looking forward to the March matches. I believe that the players are also looking forward to these matches and for us as a staff it’s a very positive message.
– Considering the state of the team, the opponent, and the preparations you are making, how confident do you think we can be in qualifying for the World Cup?
– We played against Poland 3 years ago, but we can’t say it’s the same team. They may have some of the same players, but they’re in a different moment, with a new coach; the way they play is completely different. It seems like they have more confidence. This week we’ve seen 5-6 of their matches with the new coach and it’s going to be very difficult. Of course, we have to respect Poland, because the fact that we won against them last time in Albania doesn’t mean it’s going to be the same. Poland is a team that always goes to these stages, whether in the play-offs or qualifying for the European or World Championships, playing matches like this. So, they have the experience of being in this situation before.
For Albania, for us, it's the first time, so it's very important to believe that we can do it. Of course, we may lack the experience of experiencing this situation before, but what we have to bring to this match is the hope of the whole nation. We know our players, their qualities and we know that they can do it. We are confident and optimistic that we will come to this match with the intention and energy to play against Poland and we hope to go through to the next phase. Then we have another match to fulfill the main goal, which is to go to the World Cup, which would be something fantastic. But of course, our main focus now is the next match against Poland and I hope that we have a good performance and beat them.
– When we talk about qualification, do you believe we can go to the World Cup?
– As I said, when I watch our team play, when I see the players or when I talk to them, it is the first time for this nation and for the National Team to reach such a match. They are all very proud of this and are enthusiastic about this match, which we as a technical staff clearly see. The players are waiting for this moment. This is something fantastic.
As I said, in football you have to have confidence, to believe in yourself, but you also have to be down to earth, because it will not be easy. The way we should approach this match is by respecting the opponent, but by giving our 100%. We have a chance. We have proven it before against these teams; we can beat them, especially because this is the first time. It is a great chance for Albania. We are all waiting to experience the experience of participating in the World Cup in June, but for that we still have two more steps. Let's take the first step, then the second, and then the moment will come when we can all celebrate together.
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