Gjimshiti: San Marino must not be underestimated; everything depends on our focus

Berat Gjimshiti called on his teammates not to take the match against San Marino lightly, stressing that the national team must take the field with maximum focus and the right mentality.

Albania’s captain said the team’s objective is to finish top of the group. According to him, this can only be achieved if all the players perform as a team, with aggression, quality and full commitment throughout the 90 minutes.

San Marino? – It is true that this is not an easy match. Our focus must be 100% in every game, but especially in matches like this, when everyone expects our national team to control the game.

Many people think it will be an easy encounter, but I do not believe it will be like that at all. In the end, everything depends on us and how we manage the match. Our focus must be at its maximum.

As captain, where do you think our national team needs to improve the most? – We did not go through a good period, but we returned to winning ways and to matches of great importance. The Nations League offers us an opportunity to qualify for the European Championship. I think the first step was taken in the last match, when we played well and deservedly won.

Our ambitions are high. We want to finish first, and to achieve that the entire group must improve, we must play together and give our maximum on the field for 90 minutes. At this level, an early mistake can immediately change the course of the game, so we must remain focused.

What must we do to avoid being surprised by San Marino tomorrow? – We must take the field with the right approach and be 100% prepared. It also depends on how San Marino will play, but just as important is how we perform, with the aggression and quality we possess.

I believe we can succeed together. Both the players who start the match and those who remain on the bench will be important. This must be our strength.

Who has asked you for more tickets for tomorrow’s match, Albanians or Italians? – This time, a Romanian friend of mine asked me for a ticket. We played together in Italy.

Have you studied San Marino’s forwards? What particular qualities might they have as a unit? – I know the forward Nanni, as I have played against him. He is a physically strong footballer, almost 1.90 metres tall, like me, and he holds the ball very well.

In Italy, when you do not have a match during the week, you play a friendly against a Serie C or Serie D team. In these teams, the forwards or number 10s usually have more quality. That is why it is not easy; they have ability and you must be 100% focused, because anything can happen in football.