Edoardo Reja shows what brings the Conference League Final in Tirana

Edoardo Reja in a press release in Tirana (archive)

 The coach of the Albanian National Team, Edoardo Reja, has commented on UEFA's decision to hold the final of the newest tournament in 2022 - Conference League at the Air Albania stadium in Tirana. In a statement on the official website of the Albanian Football Federation, the technician has revealed what such an organization will bring to Albanian football. 

"I am well surprised, of course, by this UEFA decision. Of course with the new stadium recently built and the fact that Albania is growing, this is a great motive of satisfaction especially for the Albanian Football Federation. Because an event of this kind, ie the organization and reception of the final of a UEFA competition is something historic for Albania. This means that the country already has credibility at the European level as well. Of course, I must say that President Duka also has great merit, who with the relations he has created internationally, with the credibility he has gained in high  European forums has made UEFA have confidence in the project of Albania. In fact, after the construction of the stadium, President Duka had told me that his goal was to play a big final in Albania and of course he had a key role in this", Reja says.

Further, the technician praises the new stadium of the capital, which according to him will be an excellent advertisement for the image of Albania abroad. 

"In terms of sports, Albanians will have the opportunity to see 'live' a final where technical values ​​are of a high level, hoping that in this challenge come important teams. To organize such a final in the new stadium, which is a real jewel, means a lot for the image of Albania at the international level. We wish to see a beautiful match and the stadium to be full because by then I hope that the pandemic is over. It is difficult for UEFA to give you such an organization if it does not have the proper guarantees that the country is able to host a European final. Even in terms of tourism, hosting such an event is very important as there will be revenue for all bars, restaurants, hotels. "If foreigners like the country, they can come back for a vacation again", continues the coach of the red and blacks.

"Albania is growing, developing, and trying to gradually become like other EU countries. In fact, in football has grown significantly and has shown that it is on almost the same level as other countries of the region. New experiences for different mentalities and new relationships are created in these cases to enrich and help the country develop. This event is not only valid for the night of the final, but has many positive effects weeks before the match and then with the echo of a match", said among others the coach of the National Team of Albania Edoardo Reja.