Sylvinho sticks with core squad for Gibraltar friendly and Latvia qualifier

Albania coach Sylvinho has made no changes to his squad list for the September 4 friendly against Gibraltar and the September 9 World Cup qualifier against Latvia. Compared to June, the only absences are Ismajli and Sherri, both sidelined with injuries.

Why is this important: Albania sits on five points after four group matches, making the home clash with Latvia crucial to stay in step with group rivals. After June’s draws, the team needs a win to keep its qualification hopes alive.

Context: Speaking to the media on Friday, Sylvinho said the time for experimenting has passed. “I’ve talked a lot with the staff. It was difficult, but we have confidence that the players we selected will respond on the pitch. It’s not the moment to experiment, because we have tough matches ahead. We have experimented over the last two years, but now is not the time — the focus is to win the match.”

The coach stressed the significance of the September 9 game in Tirana: “We’ve completed about 50% of the journey. This is a very important match at home, and we will prepare well. There will be changes for the game against Latvia, since we have a friendly before it.”

The national team will gather on Monday in Malaga, where the away match against Gibraltar will take place. After that, preparations for the Latvia qualifier will continue in Tirana. Both matches will be broadcast on TV Klan.

Next steps: Albania will aim to use the Gibraltar friendly as preparation and momentum-building ahead of the decisive Latvia match in Tirana, which could define its qualifying campaign.