On the eve of the friendly match against Jordan, which will take place on Tuesday at 19:00 at the Air Albania Stadium, coach Sylvinho and defender Klinsman Cake appeared in the official pre-match press conference.

Coach Sylvinho emphasized that, although the game is technically a friendly, the team will not treat it as one.

Both Sylvinho and Klinsman Cake made a special call to fans to fill the Air Albania Stadium, support the Red and Blacks in their match against Jordan, and celebrate together the victory over Serbia.

Sylvinho said that the team is fully focused on the Jordan game and on the two crucial matches in November, stressing that this is not just a friendly, but an opportunity to improve the team.

He also praised the players’ commitment and asked for continued fan support:

“I don’t see tomorrow’s match as a friendly, because in every game we play to win. I’m not thinking about lineups or formations that haven’t played together before. We’re working hard, and tomorrow morning we’ll decide the starting eleven. We’ll see how the players combine with one another. Gripshi and Cake are players I really like — for their personality and what they’ve shown so far with the team.”

Regarding the recent victory over Serbia and the upcoming fixtures, Sylvinho said:

“The return from the Serbia game was tough — we arrived late and there were a lot of people at the airport. I knew it wasn’t a normal match. But the experience we’ve gained, especially during the Euros, helped us manage it well.

Our focus is on our next two matches in November. We’re happy, yes — for the first time, Albania plays the last two matches with real chances to reach the play-off. That’s something beautiful. The next match is very important.”

Asked how Albanian he feels now, Sylvinho replied with a smile:

“After qualifying for the Euros, I felt like a seven. After this win, I feel like an eight and a half — almost nine. We’ve done well in both matches. I understand what these games mean to the fans and to everyone. I don’t believe in friendlies; I believe in taking the next step, which comes in November.”

His message to the fans was clear and emotional:

“Support the National Team because it fights with heart, blood, and soul. You can lose a match, but we’ve never lacked heart and spirit. There’s no other way — we just move forward. We need our fans behind us.”

As for post-match messages, Sylvinho shared a personal one:

“I received many congratulations after the Serbia game. Ten days ago, I had a video call with my staff and Roberto Mancini’s team. After the Serbia match, Mancini texted me: ‘Bravo Silvio, you did very well.’ Of course, all messages are important.”

When asked about possible play-off opponents, he said:

“Honestly, I haven’t looked at any of them yet. I know myself — right now, I’m focused only on tomorrow’s game and the two key matches in November. The national team is here, our mind is on the next step. Nothing else.”

Commenting on the media and critics, Sylvinho added:

“I’ve had a 15-year career as a player and 5–6 years as a coach. I know how this works — one day you’re valuable, the next day you’re not. It’s part of the job. I’ve known Rey Manaj since 2014 — he’s our top scorer and respected by everyone. We don’t talk about problems; we focus on what’s ahead — Latvia, Serbia, and then November. We need to stay intelligent.”

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Klinsman Cake: “Wearing the National Team Shirt Is a Childhood Dream Come True”

Defender Klinsman Cake, who sat alongside the coach in the press conference, spoke about his emotions during his first call-up to the Albanian national team:

“The emotions can’t be described — everyone knows what it means to wear the national shirt. It’s been a dream for me, as it is for every Albanian child. Every kid growing up here dreams of one day playing for the national team — and right now, I’m living that dream.”

On his first impressions of the team:

“The group is fantastic — very united. Everyone is supportive and welcoming, and I want to thank them for making me feel at home.”

About his first talk with the coach:

“We talked after I arrived — before that, we hadn’t spoken. Once the call-up came and training started, we had our first conversation.”

On whether he was promised playing time:

“Of course not. No one gets such promises when joining the national team. We’re all ready — whether on the pitch, on the bench, or even in the stands if needed.”

When asked about his reaction to the call-up:

“I didn’t expect it, but when it came, it was a great surprise. I’m very happy to be here. Once a Red and Black — always a Red and Black.”

On the reaction from his club, Shkëndija:

“Everyone at the club was thrilled — the management, the players, everyone congratulated me and wished me success. They also wished us victory against Serbia — that was the main goal.”

And finally, on his love for the colors red and black:

“At Shkëndija, those colors already mean a lot, but the national team is something else — it’s incomparable. It’s every child’s dream, and for me, it’s a dream come true.”

His message to the fans:

“Tomorrow, I invite all fans from Albania and the diaspora to come to the stadium and celebrate with us — just like they filled the streets and squares after the Serbia match. Let’s celebrate together again.”