Franco Foda remains team boss: Kosovo survives change rumors!

Franco Foda remains team boss: Kosovo survives change rumors!

Franco Foda remains team boss of the Kosovo national team, despite tempting offers from the United Arab Emirates. The 59-year-old coach was previously linked with a move to Al-Wahda club, where he was considered the new technical director. However, Foda has turned down a lucrative offer and reiterated his desire to further his team's development after speaking to association boss Agim Ademi in Austria. Ademi explained that it was a normal conversation about the upcoming games and Foda never hinted that he was leaving, which has also reassured fans who see him as a key figure in their historic qualification process.

With an impressive points average of 2.08, Foda has led the Kosovo team on a remarkable course. Under his leadership, the team plans to first qualify for the B League of the Nations League and then secure participation in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. Foda emphasizes how honorable it is to be able to work for a country as a national coach again and is aiming to finish first in the group in the Nations League. The goal is clear: successful qualification for the big tournament.

Foda’s success story

Foda brings with him a wealth of experience from European football. The coach was most recently without a club from September 2022 until his return to Kosovo, after previously working as Austria's team manager for over four years. Under his leadership, Austria reached the round of 16 at Euro 2021 after defeating North Macedonia and Ukraine in the group stage. Despite a narrow defeat against Italy in the next round, Foda was able to gain valuable experience that he now wants to bring into his work with Kosovo.

Foda's career began as a player, where he enjoyed success with Sturm Graz and took part in the Champions League three times. He won two championship titles and later led the team to the title as coach. Foda can look back on a total of 321 Bundesliga games in which he scored 20 goals and provided 14 assists. He is also a two-time DFB Cup winner, which underlines his extensive expertise.

The future of Kosovo

The negotiations with Al-Wahda reflect the club's ambitions to reposition itself on the international stage. After several difficult seasons, the club is looking for an experienced coach who will bring a breath of fresh air. The league sees Foda as a man who can bring about the necessary changes. However, Agim Ademi, the President of the Kosovo Football Association, has stressed that no official communication has been received regarding Foda's departure, regarding the team's financial and strategic situation at this crucial stage of qualification.

Overall, football in Kosovo is thriving thanks to Foda's leadership, channeling the team's passion and ambition to achieve the goals for the coming years. As discussions surrounding Al-Wahda continue, it remains to be seen what decisions will be made, but fans and officials agree: Foda is a central player in the mission to bring the national team to new heights.

You can find more information on this topic at Laola1, InfoKosova and Kicker.