Kosovo national team manager Bajram Shala has spoken following the defeat against Turkey, in a match that was filled with strong emotions for both players and fans. He praised the team’s performance and commitment, stressing that despite the result, pride in the journey and in representing the country remains unchanged.
Speaking to KosovaPress after the match, Shala said that the loss does not diminish Kosovo’s impressive qualifying campaign, underlining the dedication of the players and the strong support they received from fans throughout the journey.
“After such a defeat where they gave everything of themselves, it is not easy to respond well. However, beyond that, they are very proud of the way they played, they are very proud of the support they received from all the people of Kosovo, they are proud of the emotions they brought to the entire nation, they are proud of a fantastic qualifying campaign they had. Not only them but all of us around the national team are very proud of them. Tonight’s pain does not erase or diminish the brilliance of this qualifying campaign and the pride with which Kosovo played in these matches,” Shala said.
He also reflected on the emotional side of the match, describing it as a difficult moment for everyone due to how close they came to a historic achievement. According to him, the emotions and disappointment are natural, but they should serve as additional motivation for the future.
“I believe it is difficult for everyone, regardless of their role, as well as for the spectators, to hold back emotions in such a match when you are so close to such a big goal and qualification for such a major competition as the World Cup, and to the elevation of the name of the state of Kosovo, and it ends in this way. It is difficult not to be emotional and disappointed in the moment, but this does not mean any retreat or lowering of the head. It means that self-confidence grows, expectations grow, and Kosovo must move forward with and without anyone on board the team,” he added.
Finally, Shala also commented on striker Vedat Muriqi, saying that any decision regarding his future with the national team belongs to the player himself and will be made public by him.
“The tears of Vedat and all the other footballers are a reflection of the great pain they felt tonight. Vedat’s future belongs to him to announce; I cannot say absolutely anything because it is something that belongs personally to Vedat to say,” Shala concluded.
KosovaPress
