Full statement/ Silvinjo before Poland: One of the most important for Albania

2026-03-25 17:57:00, Sport CNA

Albania coach Silvinjo spoke at a press conference ahead of the match against Poland. The red and black coach praised the opponent highly, while emphasizing that both teams have improved recently.

He was surprised by the statement of the opposing coach, who had said that he did not expect any surprises from Albania.

Silvinjo also asked for maximum success from the team, saying that it is one of the most important matches for Albania.

"Poland is not a team that makes you keep the ball in every area of ??the field, right. They use the transition a lot, with fast players who keep the ball and then work it well. We talk about many of them, we have seen all the matches, they were 3 points behind the Netherlands, they played two matches that drew with the Netherlands, which is strong, a team that makes the European and World Cups. True, they are not a team that has the characteristic of keeping the ball, but in counterattacks they kill, they have many good players. Urban has played 5 matches as a coach, the team seems much more organized, both in offensive and defensive terms, so it is visible.

Muçi and Mehmeti? We had the first contact with the players on Monday, we did a little training, 35 minutes in total. It is impossible to determine the team. But what I think is clear to everyone. We brought Mehmeti and Muçi closer some time ago, two young players who see the goal. Then I remember that we have to adapt to the situation, they are players who have good feet and score. Let's see how we can use them both during the match.

You have to say whether the team has improved or changed in 3 years. New players, results… I, from this side, say that we have improved, I am only talking about my cycle, not before. In my opinion, it has improved. But the opponent has also improved, it is an improved Poland. In my opinion, we have improved as a team. As for the most important match in my history as a coach or Albania, without diminishing its merits, there have been two Europeans. We have played important matches, even with Serbia, which is geopolitical. Yes, this is one of the most important.

I don't sleep, I haven't slept in practically two months.

This team has grown a lot, we have players who can play as wingers and in the center. Everything has to adapt. All that we have done so far is in the characteristics of the players. I am not a coach who complains, we have to adapt. We are missing 2-3 players. We will see tomorrow.

The team has grown a lot. We have players who play as wingers, as well as in the center. It depends on the characteristics. We have to adapt to the situation. We are missing 2-3 players, but we have to adapt to the situation.

The Polish coach said that Albania cannot surprise? I don't know why he said that. He seemed like a nice person to me and he is doing well with Poland. He has a very good team. But we are also a good team. In 2024 we have good experience. In 90 minutes anything can happen. We must be prepared for better.

I'm fine, I don't sleep, but I'm fine. This is the job of the national team, the match is getting long, because since November 19, from the draw, the match is thought of for March 26. We saw the Polish championship, I was here two years ago, I saw Muçi against Aston Villa where he scored. Every week we see our players, I saw Pllana and Shehu. The stadiums are full, it's a difficult championship, with many transitions. There are three players who help us a lot. I don't know if we will see them together on the field, but I am satisfied with the list we have, for the importance of the match and that we have three such players in the team. Pllana is a player that we have seen for more than 6 months, the moment has come for him to be with the group. We have only done two training sessions, but I am happy for him and we will see tomorrow.

The fans are part of our strength, wherever we go they are there, in the stadium, in the hotel, outside the hotel, Albanians everywhere. They are people we always have close to us, it pleases me a lot. As for the past matches, what happened in the past is over. It was another moment for both teams. I have reviewed the matches of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, there were Poland, Sweden, there was also the final match between them. This is completely different, it is 90 minutes, the less mistakes the better, a match of a technical, physical level, of very important energy expenditure, a very high level of concentration. It changes everything, in 90 minutes anything can happen, but it has nothing to do with the match of a year or two ago, the conditions in which it takes place are completely different, for everyone. But it is a beautiful match to play, anything can happen.

"Lewandowski is one of the best strikers in the world, still. I watch a lot of Barcelona games, I love the way they play and the club too. He is incredible. A good player, one of the best. Of course, around him there is a team that plays for him, I am talking about the Polish national team now. We are talking about wonderful players, that we work a lot for. He is one of the best. You have to be careful for him and Poland, but for many players you have to be careful. They play at a high level, physically and technically. Many good players after Lewandowski ," Silvinho told the media.