If anyone was wondering what happened to him Marash Kumbullais currently on loan at Espanyol and is still owned by Roma. But he immediately finds himself in retreat with theAlbania for the scheduled Nations League matches against the Czech Republic and Georgia, for which he took part in today’s press conference together with Mario Mitaj.
The 24-year-old defender is now in good form and is convincing at Espanyol, which is why the national team is counting on him. But thecruciate injury which kept him away from the pitch until 2024 was a really tough time for him: “That period was very bad for me. A year and a half and after the injury the following months were not very easy. Now I believe that I had an excellent preparatory phase, I moved to Espanyol and now I’m playing all the matches. Physically I feel very good and I’m very happy for this moment.”
After the goal against Espanyol, will the goal also come for Albania? “I’m looking forward to it too, given that there are many matches without goals in the national team. I really want to score,” said Kumbulla. While on what guarantees can he give together with Ismajli as a defensive pair in the next two matches: “I give guarantees, but it’s not just my job and Ismajl’s, but that of the whole team. We have a lot of competition, we are excellent defenders, not only in the centre, but also on the wing. The coach decides and whoever plays will do well.
How many points will Albania take home in these two matches: “We will enter the field as always to win both matches. Now we only think about the Czech Republic, they are a very physical team and strong in duels, now we only think about them and then we will see Georgia.” While on the playful relationship with Ismajli and Ajet: “There is no harassment, the national team comes first. If the team wins, the others come back. It is normal that all the players want to play, but we know that in the national team there is a lot of competition. They are all excellent players Let’s see the coach’s solutions.”
What differences did you find between the Spanish and Italian championships: “The championship in Spain is different from the Italian one. It is more tactical, the game is open, with counterattacks and duels. I have adapted very well to this championship.” Finally, the motivations aroused by the next match having missed it Czech Republic in the European qualifiers: “Yes, of course. I watched both matches from home. As I said before it will be a very difficult match against the Czech Republic, we are very motivated, as are the opposing team. A very difficult match awaits us.”