The Albanian soccer federation has hired Brazilian Sylvinho to coach their national team with the goal of qualifying for the 2024 European Championship.
The 48-year-old former Barcelona and Arsenal defender signed a contract that will take him through the finals in Germany.
“Football needs your soul and heart in there. That is why we are here,” Sylvinho said on Monday after signing the 18-month contract.
Sylvinho replaces Italian Edoardo Reja, who led Albania for three years.
A former left back, Sylvinho played briefly for Brazil’s national team. He ended his career with Manchester City in 2010.
Sylvinho has coached French club Lyon and Corinthians in Brazil. He was an assistant coach to Tite in Brazil and to Roberto Mancini at Inter Milan.
In Euro 2024 qualifying, Albania play in Group E with Poland, the Czech Republic, Moldova and the Faroe Islands.
“We know it is a very balanced and complicated group and we shall aim at qualifying for the Euro finals,” Sylvinho said.
Sylvinho brought Brazilian Doriva and Argentinian Pablo Zabaleta with him as assistant coaches.
Albania played their first major tournament at the European Championship in 2016 under Italian coach Gianni de Biasi but did not qualify for Euro 2020.