FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
During the 112-year history of Hajduk, once in Stari, now in Poljud, 82 coaches passed by, some of them had many years of service, some returned several times to the "white" bench, in the early beginnings, with force. In those circumstances, the coaches were Czechoslovaks, during a long period the professional role was played by a team of locals, players of the first team of Hajduk, but from 1987 foreign experts began to be brought in.
Of all the foreigners, many agree in their assessment that Edoardo Reja (from August 18, 2008 to February 9, 2010) left a uniquely positive impression. Thus, during that period, he impressed with his way of working and his relations with the players, he overshadowed first Ivan Vucov, as the first foreign coach of the last time (1987), as well as the entire constellation of those engaged in the times the last (Balakov, Pushnik, Karrillo, Tramezzani, Gustafsson, Dambrauskas).
- With great interest, now I can say that as a pensioner, I follow everything that happens in football, including the group drawing ceremony for the final tournament of the European Championship next year in Germany. Our group is a real "bomb", undoubtedly the most difficult, very complicated, with three powerful national teams and Albania, which is the surprise. Pros, you should be careful, that it will not be a "simple participating team", i.e. a cushion to support the favorites.
That's how he started, who was coach of Albania for three years.
- I will tell you right away that it is an illusion that the national teams of Spain, Italy and Croatia, which they treat as football superpowers, have an easier job and the Albanians can surprise them.
Croatian superpower in the ranks of "Red Fury" and "Axurre"?
- Let's leave the story. If tomorrow in Germany would be like the past, then Albania would be the team that would increase the goal difference. Croatia, I emphasize in every report, because I am called from all over to comment on our group, is a team that, with Zlatko Dalic, has acquired the status of an authority in the last five years. I don't really know the detailed statistics, but according to what I read in the newspaper, Italy played eight times against your national team and did not win once.
Okay, what kind of result is predicted in our group?
- Dear, I am not at work, I dare not make specific predictions. I can describe it... And this is that Spain is logically the favorite on paper, maybe the last group game between Italy and Croatia will decide the second place. But who knows what might happen. It remains to be seen how the players will be at the end of the season. In the Italian comments, Croatia is treated as a "black cat", I conclude that neither ours nor the Spanish are happy that Croatia has fallen to their group.
You say, is it logical that the Spanish are the favorites?
- Well, yes, they have been strong for several years, they play innovative football. They have a lot of good players, a lot of foreigners play for them in La Liga, but that didn't stop a lot of youngsters from breaking through, asserting themselves and even proving themselves. The situation there is not like here. We used to be the concept of top-class defensive players, but that's how it is today.
Edi Reja, why is the defense aspect emphasized...
- Now let's talk about the goliaths, how some prefer to win 4-3 than 1-0. I have never been in favor of "Catenaços", but I am still in favor of a solid and well-organized defense. This is the foundation.
So, is the game in defense the problem of "Axurre"?
- I wouldn't say that, I know Luciano Spalletti very well, so even though he applies the attacking game, he will not neglect the defensive phase in any case. Even defending with ten. In addition, we have Donaruma, a goalkeeper who provides security.
What is the specificity of Spalet's team's game?
- Fast game, vertical games often in every case, the defensive side players, in the foreground are Di Lorenzo and Dimarco, they play with a lot of courage, they lean towards the attack, but they are not reckless, they do not neglect the defense. When he was manager of Napoli, he had the vicious centre-forward Osimhe at his disposal, but when he was struggling due to injuries, Spaleti played successfully with Raspadori, who is actually a false nine.
Croatia?
- We have to see what physical condition your main players will be in, specifically Modric and Brozovic. Will Perišić, a player of exceptional value for the team, recover in time? You also have the problem of a striker, classic. Shuker in his time, then Boksic, were high-level strikers, that even Mandzukic, who was special in his own way, scored goals.
Are we all hoping for another Luka Modric final parade?
- I can assume that. Modric is old now, his vitality and energy surprise me and I don't need to waste words about his level as a player. However, Luke should expect to be exposed to pressure. But I also see Marko Livaja, I follow him at Hajduku, is he doing well?
Livaja voluntarily gave up the National...
- I remembered him, during the preparations in Spain, he was 16, 17 years old, I understood that he would be a player, not only from his talent, but from the way he physically faced much stronger players
And recently, Edi Reja announced that the president of the Albanian Football Federation, Armand Duka, has invited him to Tirana on December 18 for the "Euro 2024" celebration, with the announcement of the player and team of the year. Yes, he mentioned: One of Silvinho's coach's assistants is the only Albanian, Ervin Bulku, during my time leading the U-17 selection, he constantly talked to me about Hajduk. It is interesting that all those who experience the "white" remain fascinated throughout their lives. That's what happened to me too."
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