Albania coach Sylvinho praised the work his colleague has done in Latvia, the team Albania will face on Tuesday evening in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. He added that the match is very important for both teams. "The countdown has already started. I don't know if it's decisive, but it's very important. Latvia has an Italian coach, Paolo Nicolato, they play in a codified way. Latvia has tall players and can play in several ways. I don't know how the term "codified" will translate to the coach, but tomorrow I will talk to him on the field myself," the Brazilian said at a press conference, A2 CNN writes.
Asked who will be the captain tomorrow, given that Berat Gjimshiti is absent due to injury, Sylvinho said: "It depends, if one player plays, he is chosen. If he doesn't play, it will be another one". In Gjimshiti's absence, Albania's captain has been Hysaj, and on some occasions Ardian Ismajli. It seems that the Brazilian has not yet made up his mind whether Balliu or the Shkodra player who won the penalty against Serbia will play on Tuesday.
Sylvinho also answered the question about the possibility of using Mario Mitaj in midfield, looking at his skills with the ball. "He is a very technical player. But it is not easy. In the national team you do not have time to see the player. We do not have time to test. He is a left-back, has a lot of quality and gives his best in the national team and the club where he plays. So it will continue like this for the time being", said the Brazilian.
After Saturday's 0-0 draw against Serbia, Albania ranks second in the World Cup qualifying group, with 4 points. The next challenge for the Rossoneri is in Riga against Latvia on Tuesday at 20:45. (A2 Televizion)
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