The Albanian U-21 national team will participate in the "Taranto 2026" Mediterranean Games, as coach Alban Bushi has published the list of players who will represent Albania in this important international competition.
After the release of the list, the coach of the U-21 National Team, Alban Bushi, spoke to fshf.org about the expectations, objectives and importance of this tournament for a new group of red and black footballers.
"We are very motivated that Albania will participate in the Mediterranean Games. For us it is not just a tournament, but an opportunity to show the character, personality and mentality of Albanian football. We know that the group is very strong, Italy, Kosovo and Algeria. We respect these teams a lot, but we will go there not just to participate, but to compete with them.
Our objective is to qualify. We know it is difficult, but football is not won only with names and history, but with organization, confidence and above all to fight for every ball. The list is almost completely new. It is a list of players with very young birthdays, 2006, 2007 and 2008 who will be with the team of hope next season. For them too, it is a good opportunity to show their values and to measure themselves with European football. Despite the fact that they are not in optimal condition because the First Category championship has not started yet, I think it will be a very good performance”, – – said Bushi.
The U-21 National Team coach also appreciates the first challenge against Italy and the short time available for the team's preparation. Bushi emphasizes that the technical staff will work to convey to the players the necessary ideas and strategies for facing one of the strongest opponents in the group.
"The time available is very short. Today is Wednesday and we will play against Italy on Saturday at 21:00. We will try as a staff to give our ideas and strategies on how we will play against Italy. For us, every match will be like a final. We must be very dignified in our performance and we have a great desire to win this tournament", - said Alban Bushi.
