Albania coach Maran said he already has an idea of which 11 players will start before the Nations League match against San Marino, while making clear that any changes would not alter the team’s overall shape. Speaking at a press conference 24 hours before the match, Maran said the focus is on the right approach and the mentality needed for a run of six matches, with this stretch marking the first time the team has played four games in a row.
“We have to face the right approach in such matches,” Maran said, stressing that games like this are part of the process of building a stronger team mentality. He also pointed to the need for balance in how the squad handles the occasion, adding: “We need a lot of respect for San Marino.”
Possible changes, but not a full reset
Maran said he is not ready to reveal the lineup publicly, noting that it would be unfair for players to learn the formation through the media. Even so, he was direct about his own thinking ahead of kickoff. “I have an idea of which 11 will play,” he said, while also leaving room for adjustment.
That is the key message from his pre-match briefing: Albania may rotate, but the coach does not expect a major shift in identity. “There may be a change, but not in the physiognomy,” Maran said. In other words, the team could look a little different on the field, but the overall structure and approach should remain familiar.
What it means for Albania
For Albania, the comments offer a useful glimpse into how the coaching staff is managing a busy sequence of matches. With four games coming in a row for the first time, selection is not only about the next result but also about keeping the squad steady across the full stretch. Maran’s comments suggest he is thinking about both immediate performance and the longer-term value of these Nations League fixtures.
The match against San Marino is part of that larger picture. Maran’s message was simple: respect the opponent, keep the team’s mentality in the right place, and use the opportunity to keep building without changing what Albania is trying to be.
