TIRANA, June 3 – Albania national team coach Rolando Maran said the team must show confidence and control the game in the friendly against Israel in Tirana on Wednesday evening. He added that the squad needs a winning mentality. He also said Albania should dictate both play and result.

Maran said he wants an aggressive team that keeps possession and plays to win. However, he noted that Israel will be a difficult opponent. In addition, he said the team must show courage and personality on the pitch.

He underlined that performance matters. He also stressed that results remain important. At the same time, he said the ideal outcome combines both elements. Meanwhile, he said training work must translate into match performance. He added that the friendlies will help the team learn and correct mistakes.

“Result is important. Performance is also important. If both come together, it is better,” Maran said. Later, he added that every match requires a positive approach, even when it is a friendly.

At the same time, he said coaches must adapt to players’ characteristics. He also said football has evolved and coaches must evolve with it. Furthermore, he underlined that each squad has its own strengths and weaknesses. As a result, the staff must adjust tactical solutions accordingly. He added that he has tested different systems despite limited preparation time.

Albania play Israel in Tirana at 20:00 this Wednesday. Meanwhile, they face Luxembourg three days later at the “Air Albania” Stadium.

/a.p./