After becoming Albania's head coach at the start of 2023, Sylvinho wasn't about to take it easy. The Brazilian watched no fewer than 240 matches, even waking early on Saturdays to observe games from South Korea in the search for his dream right-winger, all to draw up a longlist of 70 players for his first squad, before whittling the number down to 23.
More than a year on, it's safe to say that it was all worth it. This month, the former Arsenal and Barcelona full-back leads the Albanians in their second European Championship, having surprisingly topped their qualifying group ahead of Poland and Czech Republic.
They've been drawn into a horror group with Italy, Spain and Croatia, and many expect Sylvinho's men to be on the first flight back from Germany. After narrowly missing out on the last 16 eight years ago, however, Albania are determined to spring an upset.
Sylvinho, 50, has previously managed Lyon and Corinthians, as well as working as an assistant for Inter and the Brazilian national team. Here, his own assistants are former Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta and ex-Middlesbrough midfielder Doriva.
Just as their manager did in his playing days, Albania have a secret weapon that the rest of the continent is about to discover: an ability to shoot ferociously from distance. They already showed that during qualifying, and now they're ready to do it again...
Is the whole nation excited for Euro 2024?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE PLAYERS LOUNGE
DUNCAN FERGUSON SEBASTIEN BASSONG SHOLA AMEOBI
THE BRADY BUNCH
Despite Birmingham dropping into League One, Blues are bouncing again - with an NFL legend in on the action
FOOTBALL'S FIGHT AGAINST PROSTATE CANCER
After battling the disease himself, Mick Harford tells FFT how he has joined forces with Viv Anderson, Grant McCann and more for a fundraising drive this October
BEWARE THE DIRTIEST TEAM EVER
Nestor Combin's face told the story of the 1969 Intercontinental Cup better than any match report.
IT WAS A WORLD RECORD TRANSFER.BUT I NEVER WANTED TO SIGN FOR MILAN.THEN CAME MY CRASH.I COULD HAVE DIED.
My name is Gigi and I'm a normal guy. I have friends and I spend time playing billiards with them it's one of the things I like the most.
THIS IS HOW YOU DO IT
While Chelsea's men have endured two years of mayhem, the women's side just keep on winning
BLUE IS THE COLOUR, CHAOS IS THE GAME
Todd Boehly's consortium took charge of Chelsea in the summer of 2022 - but what's followed has been a dizzying revolving door of players and managers, leading to disappointing results and discontent in the stands. If only he'd been allowed to play 4-4-3...
LOVE ALWAYS WINS
On August 1, 2019, Arsenal's great new hope appeared. Unai Emery was convinced he'd found a left-footer capable of scoring freely from the right wing, the man who'd lead the Gunners into the future.
DAVID PLEAT
\"Elton John sent me flowers after the newspaper allegations against me. A message with it said, 'Don't let the bastards grind you down\"\"
NINE REASONS TO BE EXCITED FOR COPA AMERICA
Family feuds, Bielsa's return and an Icelandic dentist - it's all been going on ahead of South America's biggest tournament hosted by, er, the USA. Oh, and Messi's going to be there as well...
