Kushta was probably good. So was Demollari.
I think it is that, that they were able to keep the talent. But also youth development just seemed better.artan wrote: ↑Fri Jul 08, 2022 3:15 pm It’s very well that those communist era teams were much better than the current teams but since none of them ever qualified it’s tough to put it as an accomplishment. And I do understand the qualifying format was different and harder back then. One thing about the communist era was players were not allowed to leave the country so the league probably had quality players back then and they were competitive. Now players just sign for Turkey and Kazakhstan.
As for the current teams they only care about collecting the prize money. They trim the roster before to minimize wages and if they get past the first round (vs whatever even shittier teams they play) it’s just more icing on the cake for them. A team like Tirana would have sold Seferi if they received any transfer fee for him but had no offers so made the excuse that the Turkish second division club didn’t offer enough.
So much blown chances for these clubs to improve themselves. Some players like Roshi were available and probably would have propelled Tirana to the next round and let’s not kid ourselves to think Roshi is getting some big contract in his mid table turkish second division club. Same with other guys like Abazaj and Bregu who could have helped too.
Albania still produced some decent players post communist era.Aurora Bulkualis wrote: ↑Mon Jul 11, 2022 12:17 am I think it is that, that they were able to keep the talent. But also youth development just seemed better.
Guys like Bogdani and Tare got their youth start in those communist systems, and were able to do well in Serie A, when it was still the best defensive league in the world.
The issue is footballers only have a work period of 10-15 years and need to make money for the rest of their lives. So if Turkish 2nd division pays more, they will go there.Princ wrote: ↑Mon Jul 11, 2022 1:21 amAlbania still produced some decent players post communist era.Aurora Bulkualis wrote: ↑Mon Jul 11, 2022 12:17 am I think it is that, that they were able to keep the talent. But also youth development just seemed better.
Guys like Bogdani and Tare got their youth start in those communist systems, and were able to do well in Serie A, when it was still the best defensive league in the world.
Roshi, Cikalleshi, Sadiku, Agolli, and Lila were all solid in their prime. Domestic products like these have proven themselves on international stage.
Imagine the success we could have enjoyed in European competitions had these guys not gone sprinting abroad, but stayed behind to form an Albanian super team.
Clearly, there needs to be investment in Albanian football. Furthermore, it is equally important that a sense of nationalism be instilled in children from a young age, through education system and various state propaganda.
Albanians should not ask “what can my country do for me, but what can I do for my country?” People must learn that not everything is about money, and be willing to take a discount for the betterment of their nation.
