Inter Milan Midfielder Kristjan Asllani: “Albania’s Draw Against Czech Republic Was Like Ping-Pong Game

Inter Milan midfielder Kristjan Asllani admitted that he was put through his paces physically during Albania’s goalless draw against the Czech Republic on Saturday.

The 22-year-old played the full 90 minutes in Tirana as Albania secured a point to keep their UEFA Nations League qualification hopes alive with one round of fixtures still to play.

In an interview with Albanian television station RTSH following the result, and as reported by FCInterNews.it, Asllani offered his thoughts on the draw and what it meant for his side.

“We had some difficulties in the first half because we couldn’t find any space,” the former Empoli midfielder declared.

“The coach also spoke to us during the break and in the second half we were more organised. We are satisfied with the draw, the Czech Republic are a strong team.”

Asllani also revealed that the intensity of the Czech team’s approach had been a test and that the game had developed into a rapid back and forth, with both teams looking to attack.

“We will try to win against Ukraine next. The Czech Republic are a physical team,” Asllani told Albanian television station TV Klan.

“We tried until the end, but we could only get one point, we will try in the next match.

“We want to try to get the three points, because that will guarantee our place.

“Today I was moving left and right, but I couldn’t find any space. It seemed like a game of ping-pong.

“Unfortunately we didn’t get the three points. When we don’t have the ball we are a strong team because we have quality throughout.”

Albania take on Ukraine on Tuesday knowing that victory will propel them into one of the top two qualification spots.