Albania will face Poland in March, as part of the World Cup Play Offs. National team midfielder Juljan Shehu, who plays in Poland with Widzew Lodz, has spoken about this match.
Have you talked to the team about the upcoming Poland-Albania match that will be played in March?
Who do you think will win? Yes, we haven't talked much, but we have talked a little. We have touched on the topic of this match. They hope Poland wins, I hope Albania wins.
How do you see the chances of this challenge?
It will be a very difficult match for both teams. I think it will be a very strong match. In such matches it is always difficult for both sides.
It's not easy for them, nor for us. I believe that everything will be decided by very small details. Poland has a slight advantage because they play in Warsaw and have the support of the fans.
I know how difficult it is to play there, because the Polish fans are very passionate and strongly support the national team. This will make the game very difficult for us.
What is your role in the Albanian National Team?
How different is it from the role you have at Widzew, where you play more offensively? My role is not the same. At Widzew I have more offensive duties than in the Albanian national team. But it depends on the coaches' tactics and the way they want to play. I am a player who can adapt to both roles.
The national team coach asks me for more defensive duties and of course I have to implement them. At the club it's a little different. However, I try to give my best for both the club and Albania, to give everything I have to help the team. I hope to continue like this and contribute as much as possible.
Speaking to a Polish coach, he described Albania as an Italian-style team. Do you agree with this and what is coach Silvinjo's football philosophy?
Yes, our coach has worked with Italian coaches before, like Mancini, and many of our players play in Italy. So I think there are similarities.
Those who say this are right. But I don't think we have quality only in midfield. I believe we have very good players in every department of the field. Albania has a lot of quality in all areas.
What can you say about the Polish national team?
The Albanian national team has played against Poland several times in the last two years, so I think we know each other quite well. In my opinion, Poland has very quality players.
There's no need to mention their names, because everyone knows them. They're a team with a lot of quality. With the current coach, they've made progress and are playing better.
