Amir Shaipi is the second goalkeeper in Kosovo. And now also in Lugano, the Swiss Super League team.
Shaipi has long been Lugano's first choice goalkeeper. But his form has been lackluster this season, and on Saturday against St. Gallen, the goalkeeper was entrusted to experienced goalkeeper David von Ballmoos. He was transferred from Young Boys earlier this week, where he remained as the second-choice goalkeeper.
Shaipi wasn't even part of the team in the 1:0 loss to St. Gallen. He probably refused to be called up.
Lugano coach Mattia Croci-Torti explained the decision.
"Shaip has done a great job for four years at Lugano," Croci-Torti said. But he saw things in Von Ballmoosi that convinced him he was a better choice for the team. And he hopes he made the right decision.
The conversation with Shaip was not easy, and the Kosovo goalkeeper accepted the decision with difficulty.
"But this is football. There are moments when we have to make difficult decisions. It's not easy for me either, because Amir is in my heart," Croci-Torti said.
"But I also get paid to make tough decisions. It's part of my job. Amir is a man and I know he will react correctly."
He knows that Shaip needs two or three days to clarify the ideas in his head.
Shaipi, 25, has been with Lugano since 2021.