Two innovations in the U-21 National Team list, Bushi: Midfielder like Modric, wanted by Switzerland and Ukraine

2024-03-12 12:52:23, Sport CNA

The coach of Albania U-21, Alban Bushi, made public this Tuesday the list for the two matches in March, against Finland and Switzerland, for the European qualifiers of this age group.

Bushi has appeared at the press conference to talk about the gathered players as well as the objectives of the Reds and Blacks in the next two challenges.

"In the list of many defenders from the Albanian championship...? The players from the Albanian championship have played regularly and have minutes on their feet, so I believe they will do well.

Feta Fetai and Jashari have been added to the list. How did you manage to convince them to join Albania and what should we expect from these two footballers? It has not been easy with Feta, as it has been requested by both North Macedonia, Switzerland and Croatia. I want to thank both of them, both Fetai and Jashar, for choosing Albania. Fetai is very similar to Luka Modric and I think he will be a protagonist in the midfield for many years to come. I followed him and there is a lot of technique, but also a spirit of sacrifice to admire.

How do you see the next opponents? All matches are difficult. I think that Finland, although it is behind us in the ranking, plays more beautiful football. The match against Finland is a life challenge for us, as we want to realize our dream. We are very strong in Albania and we will play in "Air Albania" to win. We respect the opponent, but we know it's a big chance, so we want to win to try for first or second place in the group.

For Switzerland, the victory can even take us to the first place...? We are focused on the first game against Finland, because if we don't get the result we want there, there is no interest in the next challenge. Switzerland is a good team, they want to let you play football, so focus on the first match against Finland.

Have you stocked up on Stephen Bird who hasn't played in weeks…? Steven Shpendi trains in a very good team in Serie A, although he has no minutes. I'm sorry he's playing a bit there, but he's given a lot here and I know he's looking forward to this opportunity to play and show his qualities. I'm sorry that Christian Shpendi is suspended, as he is also having a great moment. We want players who sacrifice in both phases of the game, because only in this way can we face such teams, which are more qualitative than us. I am very confident that we will do very well.

Have you had problems to approach football players? It's hard to convince everyone, but we haven't had any problems. We have also received rejections, or broken promises, but I don't see this as a problem. We make them cry that they should choose with their heart".