Fuente : UEFA (English)
http://www.uefa.com/

FOOTBALL EUROPE: Tirana experience bittersweet month

/noticias.info/ Champions KF Tirana have experienced a month of mixed emotions as they put a number of coaching and player departures behind them with victory in the Albanian Super Cup.

Starova removed
Just days after Tirana were eliminated by PFC CSKA Sofia in the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round, coach Sulejman Starova was removed from his position, along with assistants Luan Zengla and Gud Tafaj. Club secretary Shkelqim Muca and former player and coach Krenar Alimehmeti took temporary charge, while Starova has been offered a role as director of operations but will not make a decision until his successor is revealed.

Quartet released
Negotiations with Albania's assistant coach Axel Ross fell through, while Italian coach Leonardo Menichini has also been in talks over the Tirana vacancy. A disappointing early European exit has resulted in players moving on too, with Saimir Patushi, Ardit Behari, Julian Ahmataj and Alban Tafaj all being released.

Hidi heroics
Nevertheless, Tirana picked themselves up to overcome Albanian Cup winners KS Teuta in the Super Cup. Albania Under-21 coach Hasan Lika was leading the team for the first time since returning to the Teuta helm in place of Stavri Nica. Meanwhile, former FC Barcelona player and Olympic gold medallist with Nigeria, Gbenga Okunowo, made his debut for Tirana as they prevailed 5-4 on penalties after 120 goalless minutes, with Albanian international keeper Isli Hidi saving Teuta's fifth spot-kick.

Partizani buoyant
Tirana's domestic supremacy is likely to be tested by the emergence of FK Partizani this term. They have a new coach in Neptun Bajko, who has named former Partizani and Albanian international star Ylli Shehu as his assistant. The club may have suffered the setback of losing their big summer signing Daniel Sanginvald to injury, but president Albert Xhani maintains: "The team will be strong and eager for success this season."

Elbasani exit
Elsewhere, Perlat Seva has replaced Leonidha Curri as coach of KS Lushnja, while Perparim Daiu quit KS Besa to make way for Ilir Duro. Artan Bushati has proved another managerial casualty, parting company with 2004/05 runners-up KS Elbasani following the conclusion of their UEFA Cup first qualifying round tie against FK Vardar, which was lost on away goals. Agim Canaj was expected to fill his boots, but club president Laze Chaged has appointed Ilir Daja. notas_de_prensa_archivo