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| Qazim Laçi while speaking to media |
The Albania national team is on the cusp of a defining moment in their quest for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With a pivotal qualifying match against Serbia looming, the stakes couldn't be higher. Midfield anchors Qazim Laçi and Juljan Shehu faced the media today at the Air Albania Stadium to address the team's readiness, focus, and palpable determination ahead of the crucial encounter. Both players unanimously emphasized the magnitude of the game, asserting that the squad is fully prepared and solely focused on securing a positive, match-winning result.
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| Julian Shehu while speaking to the media |
Shehu on Pressure and Professionalism
Juljan Shehu was the first to speak, offering a clear-headed perspective on the immense pressure surrounding this fixture—a match carrying deep historical and emotional weight. He underscored the players' professional mindset, viewing the pressure not as a burden, but as a normal part of their international duties.
"We are professional footballers. For us, pressure is a normal thing," Shehu stated. "It is undoubtedly an important match for us, but we will go there to take the maximum possible result."
When pressed about the external factors, such as the change in stadium venue and initial team discussions, Shehu maintained that the team's focus remains strictly on the sporting objective. "That is not an issue for us. It is important for us that everyone is focused and concentrated on the objective we have for this match. We will go there to give our maximum, to take the three points. That is the most important thing for us." He noted that while the team hasn't been fully assembled yet for collective discussions, the unified message is clear: the venue and pitch conditions are secondary to their goal.
A Decisive Match for the World Cup Objective
Shehu didn't shy away from labeling the Serbia match as a potential final for their World Cup aspirations. He acknowledged its significance in determining the continuation of their dream. "This is a match of very great importance for us, for the very fact that from this match, I believe the continuation of the objective we have to go to the World Cup is decided," he explained. "It is a decisive match for the objective we have, so we are very concentrated on taking the maximum and continuing the dream we have of going to the World Cup."
Addressing the competitive environment within the squad, specifically regarding his position and the presence of players like Ylber Ramadani, Shehu displayed great team spirit. "In the National Team, we are all here to do our best, regardless of who starts as a starter. These are issues that the coach decides. We are here to do our best and give our maximum for the National Team. Ramadani and I are friends, we have a very good relationship, and we support each other, regardless of who plays."
Finally, Shehu confirmed that he brings his best form and effort to the national side. "I have brought my best version to the National Team, regardless of the position and tactics, and I will continue to do my best for the National Team."
Laçi on Emotional Balance and Making a Difference
Following Shehu, Qazim Laçi reiterated the theme of determination and high motivation. The experienced midfielder confirmed the team is ready to deliver a top performance against Serbia, driven by the desire to keep their World Cup dream alive.
"It will be a very difficult match. It is a decisive match," Laçi stressed. Like his teammate, he highlighted the need for professionalism in handling the emotional weight of the rivalry. "We are professionals. We are used to the pressure, each one in his own club. The objective is to take the 3 points, for our dream of going to the World Cup. That is how we must prepare it—to take the victory."
Laçi believes that representing the nation demands an extra level of commitment, noting his consistent effort for the "Red and Blacks." "When you are with the National Team, you must give more, as it is a duty because you represent the nation. I have given my maximum with Albania to get victories and I will continue to do so. I hope for a victory in Serbia."
Focus and Details are Key
When discussing how to approach such an emotionally charged game, Laçi pointed to the need for composure and precision. "I agree with you, this match will have many emotions. As professionals, we must be calm, have concentration, and look at every detail. It is precisely this point that will make the difference. That is where we will focus on taking the three points."
Laçi identified concentration and attention to detail as the key to success against a formidable Serbian side. Reflecting on their previous encounter, which ended in a draw at Air Albania, he expressed confidence that Albania has the ability to overcome them. "The opponent we face is strong. In the first meeting at 'Air Albania', we showed that we evaded the pressure. We showed that we had the opportunity to win it, even though it ended in a draw."
He anticipates a tightly contested match, similar to the first leg, but emphasized that the outcome is in their hands. "Both teams will be closed, like the first match. But it is in our hands. We will enter from the first minute to take the three points."
Ignoring External Factors
Finally, Laçi addressed questions regarding the reduced stadium capacity for Serbia and any perceived difficulties on the opponent's side, dismissing them as irrelevant statistics. "The statistics are for you, we expect a strong match. We know that Serbia plays in their home. We will prepare to take the 3 points. It will be decisive for the World Cup dream."
The joint press conference delivered a powerful message of unity, professionalism, and unwavering focus. With the players fully aware of the significance of the Serbia qualifier, the Albanian national team appears mentally steeled for the fight, ready to put in the maximum effort required to keep the flame of the 2026 World Cup burning brightly.