Coach Otto Baric has joined star players Igli Tare, Edvin Murati and Ervin Skela on the sick-list as Albania named their squad for their upcoming qualifiers.
Health problems
Albania take on Slovenia at home on Saturday before travelling to Bulgaria next Wednesday, but coach Bariæ will leave his assistants Slavko Kovaèiæ and Shpëtim Duro to take charge as he looks to recover from heart and breathing problems. Captain Tare has been omitted from the squad due to a lack of match practice along with Murati, Skela and goalkeeper Ilion Lika. Youngsters Enea Koliqi, Jahmir Hyka and Xhevahir Sukaj will have the chance to impress in their absence.
Shock departure
The loss of centre-forward and captain Igli Tare – ruled out due to a lack of playing time at S.S. Lazio – looked like being the big story when Austrian-born Bariæ named his squad for the week’s Group G qualifiers at home to Slovenia and away to Bulgaria, until the coach himself was forced on to the sick list. The former Croatia boss has temporarily handed the reins to his assistants Slavko Kovaèiæ and Shpëtim Duro after suffering heart and breathing problems. The 74-year-old had only just announced his selection when doctors told him to take it easy and miss both matches.
‘Otto Maximum’
Appointed following the departure of Hans-Peter Briegel last June, Bariæ has pledged to revive Albania’s fortunes. “I have been around for 35 years as a coach, and won nine titles and seven cups in 18 years in Austria,” he said. “I have also reached two European club finals – that’s why they call me ‘Otto Maximum’.” However, his presence is yet to bring the positive results Albania supporters yearn for. A 2-2 draw in their Group G opener in Belarus preceded defeats by Romania and the Netherlands, while a recent 1-0 home friendly loss to F.Y.R. Macedonia meant more disappointment.
Hitting form
Sadly, the coach’s lay-off appears to have coincided with a good run of form for Albania’s front men. With Erion Bogdani, Hamdi Salihi, Edmond Kapllani and Alban Bushi all on song, the 33-year-old Tare suddenly seems almost surplus to requirements. Likely to start against Slovenia in Shkoder, Bogdani has scored four goals in his last four Serie A games for AC Chievo Verona. Meantime Salihi shows promise with SV Ried in Austria, Karlsruher SC’s Kapllani is the leading marksman in Germany’s 2. Bundesliga and Bushi is catching the eye at Greek club Apollon Kalamarias FC.
Bushi’s medication
At 31, Bushi is no youngster, but five strikes in his last five league appearances tell their own story, and he is eager to partner Bogdani against Slovenia. “If I play and score, my goal will be like medication to help the coach get better,” he said. A win against Slovenia would doubtless have Bariæ on his feet and celebrating, doctor’s orders or otherwise.
Albania squad
Goalkeepers: Isli Hidi (KF Tirana), Arjan Beqaj (Anorthosis Famagusta FC), Enea Koliqi (Iraklis FC).
Defenders: Armend Dallku (FC Vorskla Poltava), Erion Xhafa (KF Tirana), Arjan Pisha (KS Dinamo Tirana), Nevil Dede (KF Tirana), Debatik Curri (FC Vorskla Poltava), Elvin Beqiri (FC Metalurh Donetsk), Besnik Hasi (KSC Lokeren OV), Blerim Rustemaj (VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach).
Midfielders: Devis Mukaj (KF Tirana), Altin Lala (Hannover 96), Altin Haxhi (Ergotelis FC), Lorik Cana (Olympique de Marseille) Ervin Bulku (KF Tirana), Klodian Duro (KF Tirana), Jahmir Hyka (Olympiacos CFP).
Forwards: Erjon Bogdani (AC Siena), Alban Bushi (Apollon Kalamarias FC) Edmond Kapllani (Karlsruher SC), Besart Berisha (Hamburger SV), Hamdi Salihi (SV Ried), Xhevahir Sukaj (KS Vllaznia).
Albania hope the absence of coach Otto Bariæ will motivate their strikers against Slovenia on Saturday as they chase a first UEFA EURO 2008 qualifying win.
