Maran Ahead of Belarus: “I Know the Players Better Now; We Must Play with Courage”

Albania begins its Nations League campaign against Belarus on Saturday, September 26, at Air Albania Stadium in Tirana. Kickoff is at 20:45 local time. For Rolando Maran, it will be his first official match as Albania’s head coach. UEFA match page

At the pre-match press conference, the Italian coach spoke about the emotion of his debut, the players’ fitness and the decisions he still has to make about his lineup. He expressed confidence in the work done during the training camp while stressing the need to respect an opponent he described as strong and compact.

“Yes, tomorrow my journey as Albania’s coach truly begins,” Maran said. He explained that the occasion gives him a sense of pride and motivates him to demand more from himself and his team. His ideas for the match are clear, he added, although physical problems affecting some players have influenced preparations.

A Squad Maran Knows Better

Compared with his first training camp, Maran has had more time to assess the players. He has watched them in person and on video, gaining a fuller understanding of each player’s qualities. He also noted that form changes over the course of a season, so his selections must reflect how players are performing for their clubs now.

“I’ve tried to call up those who are in good form, or those who are the best fit,” he explained. Maran acknowledged that Albania has fewer options in certain positions, but stood by the choices he made after assessing the squad.

Beyond individual names, the coach praised the players’ attitude in training. He said he had seen a willingness to work, try new solutions and improve. In his view, that is the foundation Albania needs to take onto the pitch.

Asllani, Shehu and the Options After Balliu’s Injury

Some players have been unable to train consistently throughout the week. Maran said that this prompted him to try new approaches and that the response had been encouraging. Kristjan Asllani and Juljan Shehu are expected to take part in the final training session, after which the coach will have a clearer picture of his lineup options.

Maran also left open the possibility that some players may not be ready to play the full 90 minutes. He nevertheless believes he can field a team ready to compete from the opening whistle and make use of its alternatives as the match unfolds.

Another question concerns the right side of defence following Ivan Balliu’s injury. Albania did not call up a replacement because Maran believes he has options within the squad. He mentioned Sina as a player who can operate at right-back, as well as Ardian Ismajli, who has played in that position before.

Respect for Belarus, Focus on Albania

Maran praised Belarus’s organisation and physical strength. He said the opponent’s recent results should motivate Albania to raise its concentration and determination. Throughout the press conference, however, he returned to one central point: Albania must focus above all on its own performance.

“Belarus have shown that they are a strong, compact team. We have a great deal of respect for them. But I am used to focusing on my own team,” the coach said.

He did not tie his match plan to a single formation. A game can change several times, Maran explained, and the players must be able to respond to different situations. His staff has prepared more than one solution.

He placed particular emphasis on balance and the team’s reaction after losing possession. Maran said Albania had learned lessons in that area from its matches in June. For him, possession is not an end in itself: what matters is what Albania does with the ball and how it responds when it loses it.

Albania–Belarus: A Rivalry That Has Changed Direction

The two national teams have met seven times before Saturday’s match. Albania holds a narrow advantage with three wins, compared with two wins for Belarus and two draws. They are level on goals, 10–10. UEFA match information

Date

Match

Score

Competition

September 2, 2006

Belarus – Albania

2–2

European Championship qualifying

November 17, 2007

Albania – Belarus

2–4

European Championship qualifying

October 12, 2010

Belarus – Albania

2–0

European Championship qualifying

March 26, 2011

Albania – Belarus

1–0

European Championship qualifying

November 15, 2013

Belarus – Albania

0–0

Friendly

September 4, 2020

Belarus – Albania

0–2

Nations League

November 18, 2020

Albania – Belarus

3–2

Nations League

Their first meeting, in Minsk in 2006, ended 2–2 thanks to a late goal from Besnik Hasi. Belarus then won the next two encounters, 4–2 in Tirana and 2–0 in Minsk. Albania earned its first victory over Belarus in March 2011, when Hamdi Salihi scored the only goal of the match. UEFA’s account of the first meeting

Their most recent meetings came in the 2020 Nations League. Albania won 2–0 away and then 3–2 in Tirana. The Red and Blacks therefore enter this fixture on a two-match winning streak against Belarus, although the overall record shows how closely matched the teams have been. UEFA highlights

For Maran, history will not decide Saturday’s match. His first official test is to turn this week’s preparation into a consistent performance: an Albania side that respects its opponent, maintains its balance and has the courage to put its ideas into practice.