Hysaj: Against Serbia with calm and courage, this match is for national pride

On the eve of the delicate and very important match between Albania and Serbia, the red and black defender Elseid Hysaj has spoken about the atmosphere in the team and the approach that the team should have in a match of particular importance, not only sporting, but also emotional. With his many years of experience in the national team and in Serie A, Hysaj emphasizes the importance of self-control and calm on the field, emphasizing the motivation to win against a direct opponent, but without being affected by tensions outside of football. He says that great pressure is inevitable, but it must be translated into courage and maximum concentration to satisfy the fans and ensure a victory that would be experienced as a moment of national pride.

How will we experience this match, considering the relationship between the two countries, as well as what happened in 2014?

It's a very important match against a direct opponent. We footballers shouldn't be affected by relationships outside of football, we need to be focused on the field and stay calm.

You are among the experienced players, will you have a key role in the psychological aspect?

All footballers know well that it is important inside and outside of football. I spoke to some players about the matches we played, I told them to be as calm as possible and to be as calm as possible on the pitch.

More specific matches, pressure is good...

It's a lot of pressure, but this pressure will be very valuable for us to go onto the field with courage. It's a special match, but we have to go onto the field calmly to get three points.

We need to put aside the nationalistic and political colors a little.

The match we played in Serbia is not a pretty image. It is a match we play for our nation, if we win it will be a great pride, but we have to be calm, please the fans and win.

How did you find the team and how do you feel on the physical or tactical side, how do you feel personally?

I'm fine, I'm back from an injury. All the boys are fine, maybe we're tired, but I've seen the boys are fine and very motivated. We have to think carefully when we're on the field.

Did you receive any special instructions from the coach?

He tells us to be calm, not to take this match with pressure. Serbia is a strong team, we have faced some of their players in Serie A, and they know that we are strong and can beat them.

How important will this match be?

It's a direct match for the ambitions of both teams, so a win would give us an advantage, to play our cards.