Albania is ready to write history and Brazilian coach Sylvinho deserves credit for this. In just six games, he has changed the face of the Albanian team and the dream of going to Euro 2024 in Germany is a step away.
The Brazilian coach has an opportunity to return Albania to a European, which would be its second participation after the European Championship 2016. A historic achievement for the Balkan country.
The former Celta, Barcelona and Manchester City player has been coaching Albania since the beginning of the year and in recent months has managed to outperform the teams from Poland, the Czech Republic, Moldova and the Faroe Islands to rank first in Group E of the qualifiers for in Euros. One more point would give them direct passage to Germany. A triumph for Sylvinho and his team (the Argentinian Pablo Zabaleta is one of his assistants). It is the Brazilian's third major experience on the bench after a short-lived stint at Olympique Lyon and especially Corinthians, whose experience was not entirely fruitful.
Sylvinho, at the age of 49, has been patient to make the only jump to the bench, as since "hanging up his boots" in 2010 in the ranks of City, he has worked as an assistant to Tite and Menezes at Timao; from Roberto Mancini to Inter and again with Tite.
An experience that has already helped him make a splash in Europe with Albania. A crucial historical moment for Albania, which has never played in a World Cup and with its place in the Euros almost locked, dreams of being in a World Championship.
A heroism that is not achieved by great individuals. The striker of Granada, Uzuni, together with the defender Hysaj (Lazio) and the midfielder Asllani (Inter) are the modest leaders of the team. Two well-known players from the Spanish league stand out: Balliu (Rayo Vallecano) and Keidi Bare (Espanyol). A band that wants to make a splash this coming summer in Germany.