Kosovo head coach Franco Foda spoke at a press conference ahead of the March 26 match against Slovakia, stressing the difficulty of the challenge and the team’s belief that it can secure a positive result.
At the start, he spoke about the importance of the match and the team’s confidence, underlining that Kosovo has already shown its potential earlier in the campaign.
“We are aware that it will not be an easy match and we know that Slovakia have a very strong team. We know that once they win the ball, they are very good at playing on the counterattack. But we have a lot of confidence in our national team, we have shown our qualities, especially in the group stage, and we have shown that even away from home we can play very well and win matches,” Foda initially said.
Speaking about the preparations, Foda highlighted the good condition of his players and the tactical focus ahead of this encounter.
“We are aware that it will not be an easy match and we know that Slovakia have a very strong team. We know that once they win the ball, they are very good at playing on the counterattack. But we have a lot of confidence in our national team, we have shown our qualities, especially in the group stage, and we have shown that even away from home we can play very well and win matches,” Foda initially said.
Speaking about the preparations, Foda highlighted the good condition of his players and the tactical focus ahead of this encounter.
“There will be no need to train the players physically because they are in top form and come ready from their clubs. However, the main focus will be on the tactical side, where we will work very hard to apply our principles on the pitch and give them a plan on how to face Slovakia,” Foda said.
Kosovo will go into this match without captain Amir Rrahmani and midfielder Leon Avdullahu, whom Foda described as two major absences.
“Of course, the absence of these players plays an important role. A player like Amir Rrahmani, besides being in top form on the pitch, is also the team captain and, in terms of personality, very important for the squad. Likewise, Leon Avdullahu, as a midfielder, is a great strategist, and of course we will miss them. However, we have made our calculations, we have thought it through carefully, and we believe we will find the right solutions,” Foda said.
He also spoke about Edon Zhegrova, saying that he is a key element for the Dardanians, but did not reveal whether he would play against Slovakia.
“Of course, we have a clear plan and a clear idea of what the team lineup will look like in the next match. In recent weeks, together with the coaching staff, we have followed Slovakia very closely and now we know that Zhegrova has not had a very easy period. But we know that Zhegrova is a player who, with his qualities, is very important for our team. I ask for your understanding, but at this moment I cannot say who will start,” Foda said at the end.
The match between Slovakia and Kosovo will be played on March 26 and is valid for the 2026 World Cup playoffs.
