Shehi tells how he defeated Partizan: I told the team at the end of the first half

2026-04-25 21:38:00, Sport CNA

Shehi tells how he defeated Partizan: I told the team at the end of the first

Tirana coach Orges Shehi appeared very happy about the 2-1 victory in the derby against Partizan. In his post-match statement, he said that he believed in the overthrow even when the team was at a disadvantage.

"It was exciting, the derby has special emotions, plus the position we are in, we needed the victory. I'm happy for all the guys for what they gave on the field."

We had prepared the match not to go ultra-offensive. Not to suffer the energy of Xhixha and Tabeku. We could have solved it better, we received other directives. In the build-up we had a different maneuver from the right and from the left. We changed in the second half, and the result showed it.

There are many matches within the match, there are many changes also because of the players. Tabeku suffers when he plays with his back. We asked one of the midfielders to be a passing point for the 2 center backs. Kobiljar is a strong player with his back, if he doesn't touch the ball it comes out of his nature. One had to be a passing point. We got the width with the wing backs. The introduction of Alvarez increased our quality. In some situations in transition we even took risks.

The derby has emotional doses, it makes you make mistakes in simple passes. After the first half I told the players it is certain that we will win. Stay calm, I believe in your quality. The derby is not only fought and won, but also enjoyed.

I have said in other interviews that Alvarez has a lot of quality, but he has had physical problems. We thought of starting him from the bench, knowing that the opponent also spends energy, and taking advantage of his qualities.

I don't remember a derby with so many chances in transition, the people in the stadium might have enjoyed it.

Since I came here, I have told the players that they have a lot of quality, the psychological side has been one of the weapons that we have worked on the most. Let's not forget that the pressure is great. Partizan had a luxury match to capture Europe, the pressure below is greater, it doesn't let you show what you want. We will see how the opponents will perform. There is no rest for us until the championship is over", declared Shehi.