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Maran confesses in 360 degrees: I was excited when Albania called me, here's why I will live in Tirana

2026-05-21 17:16:42Sport SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Rolando Maran

From Gazzetta dello Sport / Gigi Riva, who has never forgiven anyone anything, once said: "Maran's Cagliari is very beautiful. Everyone knows what they have to do". More sincere compliments are hard to find. 6 years have passed and Maran has decided what to do with his life; he has gone to manage Albania. At the age of 62, for the first time he will live outside Italy, for the first time he will manage a national team, for the first time he will have an objective that is not called survival or promotion, but the World Cup. It sounds different...

Maran is an "anti-character", but his life is hidden in one detail; much loved in the places he has been. This applies to Catania, which he led to the record for points in Serie A: 56 in 2012-2013, eighth, ahead of Inter. He also stood out with Chievo: four years, four survivals, playing with two strikers, plus Birsa and Castro. It is worth mentioning Brescia, his last stop, with survival achieved despite great difficulties.

Why did you decide to change your life at the age of 62?

Because when Albania called me, I was so excited. I immediately felt that it is a nation with an extraordinary pride and sense of belonging.

Now, where will you live? In Tirana or in Italy?

In Tirana, for me this experience should be lived like this. On Sunday I will move and start the real work. The city is also very beautiful, with extraordinary hospitality. My wife, who is an interior designer, will come and go. We are used to it.

Gianni De Biasi, who led Albania to the 2016 European Championship, slept with a chair behind the door on his first night in Tirana for fear of bad surprises. Prejudices from other times… Have you met?

Of course, Gianni is my friend, he is the first person I called. I remember that adventure of his well, I was a fan of him. He told me not to have any doubts, that I was making the right choice. He thinks that Albania has made the right choice by hiring me as coach. This made me feel very good. Surprisingly, I also spoke with Igli Tara 20 days ago in Milanello. I could not imagine that I would be leading his national team.

What are the emotions of these first days?

The Albania jersey with my name and number 28, like the European Championship we want to play in. It has given me a sense of responsibility and joy.

How do you get from Trento to Tirana after 27 years of work?

I come from a family of artisans, people who have always worked. My father and brothers were in construction, painting and wall covering. I am the same, I don't seek the stage and I like to work.

Your first experience on the bench was in 1997-98, as Silvio Baldini's assistant at Chievo. Now one is managing Italy, the other Albania... How crazy is Baldini from 1 to 10?

Not so much, believe me. He has a strong character, but he always knows what he's doing. I'm always grateful to him, he promised me he'd take me to Serie B and an hour after the session he called me. In 10 seconds I quit football and said yes.

What is your most difficult and beautiful moment as a coach?

The hardest one was at Genoa, when we had 22 players with Covid. Total uncertainty. The most beautiful? Debut in Serie A, Roma-Catania 2-2 in August 2012. We were winning by playing well, they equalized in the 91st minute and in extra time we hit the crossbar with Castro. Proof that we had gone there to win, not for a point.

What have you learned in the last 10 years?

I have become more tolerant. Before, I had less patience, I used to get very angry when things didn't go my way. I have learned to accept a different way of living football.

Example?

Pitu Barrientos at Catania. He seemed uncommitted, but now I understand that he gave me everything. Or rather, everything he had.

Is the strongest player you have trained Papu Gómez?

Difficult to answer. Papu, Barella, Srna, Nainggolan, Almirón, Pandev at the end of their careers...

What is it like to coach Nainggolan?

Spectacular. Off the field he's loud, but on the field he was a pleasure to work with. He made you proud.

What goal would make you proud of Albania?

To return to League B of the 'Nations League' and qualify for the 2028 European Championship. I dream of great results and to write history. I thank President Duka, the Tirana stadium left me speechless. I want to go and see as many training sessions as possible there and learn Albanian. I want a proactive, vertical, combative football. Achieving results with sweat is in the DNA of this national team.

Your favorite national team of all time?

Italy 1982. I was 19 years old and I wanted to be a footballer. Then the Netherlands and Cruijff; such advanced football seemed like a dream.

Favorite players today?

The most technical ones; Pedri, Olise, Mbappé.

What about Gigi Riva's phrase for your Cagliari?

And who forgets? Riva was a man with a capital 'B' and a champion. I will be proud of those compliments forever.


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