The defender loaned to Espanyol: “Now I hope to close the season with survival, then we’ll see what happens.”

Following his injury and relegation with Sassuolo, Marash Kumbulla is experiencing a decidedly positive season on loan at Espanyol; in the most recent match, the team even triumphed over Real Madrid. The Albanian player is playing a pivotal role, firmly holding a starting position and has even scored two goals in 20 games. The central player, who today turns 25, shared his experiences in an interview with ‘Sportitalia’:

“How are you finding Spain?” “I feel very good, I integrated immediately with my teammates and the entire club here at Espanyol, as well as in a new championship for me like the Spanish one. I didn’t expect to start off so well since it’s the first time I’m living away from Italy.” Spain, in terms of culture and customs, is very close to Italy, but I feared I might have some difficulties adjusting initially. This was not the case and I am delighted. “I thank my teammates and the manager who immediately made me feel at home.”

“How did you manage to concede zero goals to Real Madrid?” “They were having an off day (laughs. As an AI, I didn’t receive any HTML text to translate into English. Please provide the content you’d like translated. There’s not much to do if they’re doing well. But we defended as a group, all united, compact and aggressive, trying not to leave time and space to whoever had the ball. Then a few saves from our goalkeeper came in handy. “We clinched it by scoring mere minutes before the end. The game against Real was never over, therefore this, too, meant something: had we scored earlier, we might have still risked something.”

Are you modest, not taking any credit? “In my opinion, it was a collective effort. I can’t single out a player who performed better than the others. “Perhaps I think about Romero who scored a goal, or Garcia who in goal caught everything. But in the end, it was the team that won.” On your terrible injury: who was important to you during that period? “It was a very difficult period. Mentally, it’s more complicated in the first few months because you’re used to your routine, to running and you find yourself with crutches, unable to walk. My family and my girlfriend provided me with substantial support. However, the most pivotal moment was the birth of my daughter at the moment I was hurt. This, indeed, served as the most significant aid during a difficult time. I had other beautiful things to grapple with, in a time of such difficulty.”

Speaking of Verona and Rome, what are your most cherished memories? “Let’s start with Verona. There, I experienced my first year among the elites, as part of the first team. I carry everything from that season in my heart. We had a fantastic season with Juric. If I have to point out a match, then I would mention our game against Juventus, which we won 2-1 at home, a truly wonderful memory. “We were in one of the best moments of the season, then we were held back, possibly due to the arrival of Covid. However, it has been an incredible season.” And what about Rome? “Of course, the win at the Conference League in Tirana is the answer. This was the climax of an incredible journey where we experienced hardships and joy together. During home games in Europe, there was a true pandemonium at the Olimpico stadium.”

“Chaos at the Olimpico aside, how was it to see the city of Rome in celebration?” “I remember that day very well. “It was my first trophy win and so far, the only one. To see the entire city in celebration, touring the streets of Rome on an open bus and in front of the Colosseum… These are the images that run through my mind and still move me today.”

Which coaches have left the most impact on you? And what’s so special about Mourinho? “Every coach has always left their mark on me, regardless of whether I played more or less. I remember Juric because he was the first to believe in me. I will always thank him, as he changed my life. About Mou, I can say that whatever he says carries weight. He improves you in every way and relentlessly pursues every detail. “As far as I’m concerned, it has made me grow considerably in terms of maturity, character, and paying attention to details that I previously neglected.”

“What does the National team represent to you?” “It’s always an honor for me to represent the National team, my family is always glued to the TV, especially when I’m donning that jersey.” “In the past year, we went to the Euros after a spectacular journey through the qualifiers, then of course, we faced a tough group. In my view, we made our mark despite being eliminated, it was a wonderfully beautiful experience.” “What do you think about Inter’s Asllani and Christian Shpendi from Cesena?” “I am more familiar with Asllani, having played together on the national team. To me, he exhibits top-notch technical prowess, equally adept at right or left foot play.” I’ve seen him make very few mistakes in passes or long throws. He’s still young, he can grow and mature, but his future is assured. “I’ve seen Shpendi play from afar, he has great potential,” he enthused.

“And what are your goals for the near future, aside from the market?” He was asked next. His reply came forthright, “Honestly, I am not thinking about it; after the injury, I have learned to appreciate the daily routines significantly, whether it’s practice or a game.” “Of course, I hope to end the season well with Espanyol’s survival, striving to give my all, then we’ll see what happens,”