FSHF names Kuze as new coach

TIRANA, May 19— Josip Kuze was named Albania’s new national football team coach on Tuesday.
The 56-year-old Croatian replaces Dutchman Ari Haan, who quit last month after a poor start to Albania’s World Cup qualifying campaign.
The 56-year-old Kuže, whose most recent postings were in charge of the Rwandan national team and Japanese club side JEF United, was chosen ahead of Austrian Peter Pacult and fellow Croatian Ilija Lončarević, signing a one-year contract with the option of a further 12 months. Albania lie second-from-bottom in FIFA World Cup qualifying Group 1 with just three qualifiers left to play.
“The new coach will work closely with the players to improve our team and we would like to make a good showing in the last three games, though the results will not affect our standings,” said Football Association of Albania president Armand Duka. Kuže added: “I am a perfect fit for this team. I am ambitious and like this situation, because Albania have quality players and promising youngsters.”
Albania is next-to-last in Group 1, after losing 1-0 at home to Hungary on March 28 and 3-0 in Denmark four days later. Under Haan, Albania only won one of seven matches and has six points in its group, seven behind leaders Denmark and Hungary.
Kuze’s first qualifier will be against Portugal at home on June 6.
He signed a one-year contract, with an 18-month renewal option.