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Pablo Zabaleta is Silvinho's right-hand man in the Albanian national team. An American-South combination, although not very usual, a Brazilian and an Argentinian together in Albania! Currently, Silvinho's assistant lives in Barcelona, while in his career he has moved from San Lorenzo (Argentina), Espanyol to La Liga and Manchester City to the Premier. There is no doubt that he has a lot of experience with the Argentine national team, where he played 58 matches. The Argentinian who lives in Barcelona will challenge Spain tonight in Düsseldorf, being part of the Albanian bench. The Spanish newspaper "AS" secured an interview with Zabaleta, where he talked about everything and about Albania's big dream to pass the group stage.
How did Zabaleta arrive in Silvinho's Albania?
After four years in "retirement", I wanted to get involved in the world of training. I met Silvinho a year playing for Manchester City and from there a very good friendship was born. My job is to filter as much information as possible to him, a lot of analysis of the rival, to prepare the tasks in training... But Silvinjo is always the one who makes the final decision.
What is your assessment of Albania's European Championship so far?
Very positive! We lost to Italy, but competing well, with a chance at the end that would have given us a point. Even against Croatia, we played an excellent match in general.
And now Spain…
Yes, the toughest rival in the group. I went with Silvinho to see the Spain-Italy match in Gelsenkirchen, it's 40 minutes from Kamen where we are gathered. It is different to see a match on TV, different to see it on video and different to see it live in the stadium. When you are in the stadium you see many special things. It's been a while since I've seen a team dominate at such levels as Spain did against Italy.
Did it really impress you that much?
A lot... In all matches there are usually phases in which the rival gives up dominance, but in this case Italy did not succeed. Spain dominated from the first minute to the end. They manage so many logs that when you want to cover a quality, they end up looking for another way to get to the top and constantly create risk for you.
It is supposed to be good news for Albania that Spain is already qualified. How do you see it?
Well that's something we've discussed, but it doesn't make much sense. De la Fuente has said that Spain will not underestimate the game and I am sure that they will come out with the best, even though Rodri cannot play due to suspension. We have to prepare for the best Spain and then we will see if there will be changes. Also: if they play players like Hoselu, Ferrán... it doesn't make any difference, because they are footballers of an exceptional level.
What do you think of Niko Williams and Jamal?
Lamin has not yet turned 17 and is doing an admirable thing. So young and playing with that personality that he doesn't worry about the stage, he constantly looks for the ball to generate one-on-ones all the time. And the same on the other side with Nikon, which manages both profiles.
Which player would you switch shirts with this Monday if you were still a footballer?
Well… I have met Jesus Navas for years at City and I really appreciate that desire and that physical fulfillment with which I continue to see him compete. He is born in 1985 like me. There are times when I get on the field with the boys and I can't move. But I see that Navas continues to compete and I say to myself, what is this man made of? I will try to hug him and congratulate him, because it is very nice to see someone like him continue to play in a European Championship at his age.
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