Updated text - Rolando Maran is the new coach of Albania in football. The 62-year-old Italian, not very well known in European football, was introduced on Tuesday.
In fact, the Albanian Football Federation initially announced the end of cooperation with the Brazilian Sylvinho, who was highly praised for his work. In the meantime, it introduced Marani.
Maran was most recently in charge of Brescia, from January 28 to July 3, 2025. He also managed the Brescia team from November 14, 2023 to December 9, 2024.
The new Rossoneri coach has spent his entire coaching career in Italy. He has also managed Pisa, Genoa, Cagliari, Chievo, Catania, Varese, Vicenza, Trieste, Bari and Cittadella.
The President of the Albanian Football Association, Armand Duka, thanked Sylvinho and his team for their work so far, while presenting Albania's future goals. He said that the goal is the first place in the group in the Nations League, qualification for the next European Championship and also qualification for the World Cup.
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Duka said that the new coach is a well-known name in Europe, with 25 years of experience in Serie A and Serie B.
Sylvinho also appeared at the press conference, thanking all his teammates and players. The Brazilian also thanked the very passionate fans of Albania.
"We have decided together to close this cycle of three and a half years, during which we have worked hard to present this nation well. Now I know Albania, Tirana, better and I want to thank you very much," said Sylvinho.
He assessed that they succeeded, all together, with "soul, heart and sweat." Sylvinho wished the new coach success.
Sylvinho shook hands with the new coach and then left the stage. He will be remembered for qualifying Albania for Euro 2024, as well as for the victory over Serbia and qualifying with the Rossoneri in the World Cup qualifying play-off.
The new coach, Maran, also praised the work done under Sylvinho. He feels proud for the opportunity to lead Albania.
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"I want to thank the President for giving me this opportunity. I want to thank Sylvinho for the words, and compliments for what he has done in these years. I have followed the Albanian National Team closely and for that you have all my compliments. I return to thanking the President because he is giving me the opportunity to coach a national team that represents a people with great pride. Being close to your home, it is something that is felt every time you talk to an Albanian fan," said Maran.
He is convinced that the objectives will be achieved, although he has admitted that it will not be easy.
"The World Cup is my dream, just as it is yours. Right now my dream is your dream - to achieve the results we all want. I am convinced that with dedication, a united group and a little luck, this can be achieved," said the new Rossoneri coach.
He has signed for two years. He will be assisted by Christian Maranerin, who has also signed a contract.
Tirana media have written that Maran's monthly salary will be 28 thousand to 30 thousand euros net.
It is half the salary of Sylvinho. The new coach will have bonuses for first place in the Nations League group and qualification for Euro 2028.
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Maran will make his debut next month in a friendly.
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