Foda hopes for victory against Slovenia

A victory against Slovenia would greatly increase Kosovo’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup, which will be held in 2026 in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

But to win the match against Slovenia, Kosovo’s football coach, Franco Foda, is counting on help from the public in the stands of the “Fadil Vokrri” Stadium in Pristina.

Foda called for support at a press conference on Monday. 

The match between Kosovo and Slovenia will be played on Friday at 20:45 in Pristina.

“There will be two difficult matches, not easy ones, but after the victory against Sweden, where we showed our qualities, passion and determination, the team has shown that it can also win against opponents of this kind. Slovenia has a strong team, with strong players in defence as well as good strikers. They also have experience, but we will work to the maximum for the upcoming matches. It is clear that we have good opportunities at home, as we have the public behind us supporting us, and I hope we emerge victorious from the match against Slovenia,” Foda said.

Foda says whether Zhegrova will start against Slovenia

Kosovo’s football coach, Franco Foda, has spoken about Edon Zhegrova.

“Now it is important that Edon has found a new team, Juventus. It is also important that he is in good physical condition and ready to play for Kosovo. I will discuss the other things with him and the other players in person,” Foda said.

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Foda expects maximum commitment against Slovenia

Kosovo’s football coach, Franco Foda, expects his players to put in a performance with maximum commitment against Slovenia.
“Slovenia is a very strong opponent; we need only remember that they reached the round of 16 at the European Championship. But the victory against Sweden has given us a lot of confidence and changed the atmosphere in the team. Now we all believe we can fight at least for second place in the group. To achieve this, we have to play as we did against Sweden, with team spirit and maximum commitment. I am convinced that we are capable of achieving a positive result against Slovenia as well.
We have four training sessions, and during them I will assess who is in the best
condition to start from the first minute,” Foda said. “The game against Switzerland did not go as we wanted, especially in the defensive phase. We carefully analysed that match and made the necessary changes against Sweden, including playing with three defenders in the absence of Amir Rrahmani. The changes had their effect. We played as a team and showed that we can be worthy rivals even against teams with big names. But, as is known, football is not played in the past, but in the future. That victory now belongs to history. We took three important points, but now our focus is on Slovenia. We have built up good confidence, and I expect the players to give their maximum in this encounter.”

Shala speaks about absences; Dellova also doubtful

Kosovo national team manager Bajram Shala has spoken about the absences for the matches against Slovenia and Sweden. He said Kosovo is missing five footballers. He spoke about Lumbardh Dellova’s situation and the arrival of Albian Hajdari.

 “Because of injuries, five footballers are missing: captain Amir Rrahmani, Florent Hadergjonaj, Leart Paqarada, Vesel Demaku and Baton Zabergja. Lumbardh Dellova has joined the team, but his health condition will be assessed in the coming days.  Florian Haxha has not travelled because of a health problem, while in this squad we have a new footballer, Albian Hajdari,” Shala said.