Football News: Albania Defy the Odds, Sylvinho the Mastermind Behind Their Euro 2024 Success
When Albania were drawn in a Euro 2024 group alongside heavy hitters Italy, Spain and Croatia, few expected them to have any chance of success. But their manager, former Brazilian international Sylvinho, knows exactly how to prepare for tough opposition.
Albania have won the hearts of many at Euro 2024 with their first two group performances, having scored the fastest goal in European Championship history in their match against Italy and picking up a famous equaliser five minutes into stoppage time in their 2-2 draw against Croatia. Although they lost 2-1 to Italy in the end, they have what few thought they would have at this stage in the tournament; a chance of making the knockout stages. They face a dominant-looking Spain side on Monday 24 June at 8pm, live on talkSPORT 2, as they look for a win which would ensure their progression to the last 16.
The man hailed as the secret to Albania’s success so far is none other than former Manchester City, Barcelona and Arsenal star Sylvinho. The former left-back made 65 Premier League appearances during his career, but spent his most successful spell with Barcelona where he won three La Liga titles, two Champions League trophies, two Supercopas and a Copa del Rey title. The 50-year-old is already revered over in Albania, having ended their years of disappointment by guiding them through Euro 2024 qualification in a stylish campaign which saw them lose just once.
“Sylvinho is not fazed by the tough opponents in Albania’s group. He is insistent that the odds do not change his task and that he is focused on finding ways around their on-paper disadvantage.”
Sylvinho is no stranger to facing difficult sides, and he recalled that there was one former Premier League player that always gave him a lot to reckon with on the pitch while he was at Arsenal – Tottenham’s Stephen Carr.
Sylvinho is adamant that now, the focus is on his management skills, not on his exceptional playing past. He has resisted showing off his skills in training early on, instead emphasizing that it’s the players’ time to shine. The Brazilian is flanked by some more familiar names on his coaching team, with former Middlesbrough midfielder Doriva and ex-Man City defender Pablo Zabaleta as assistants.
As the second lowest-ranked team at Euro 2024, the expectations for Albania were low heading into this tournament. But a good manager can do remarkable things for a team, and Sylvinho has proven to be just that. Having already pulled off some huge shocks in this tournament, Albania and Sylvinho will know they have a special opportunity ahead of them.
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