Kosovo Striker Muriqi: Saba's Absence Benefits Us

Kosovo's star striker Vahdat Muriqi stated that his team benefits from the absence of Israeli player Dia Saba from the Israeli squad for their upcoming Nations League match. Muriqi, who is Kosovo's all-time leading scorer, acknowledged Saba's strong performance in Turkey this season, noting his goals, including a recent one against Galatasaray. "For us, it's good that he is not here," Muriqi commented on Saba's exclusion.

The Kosovo national team is preparing to host Israel on Saturday at 4:00 PM local time in the fifth round of the European competition. Muriqi, often considered synonymous with the Kosovo team, expressed pride in representing his country and his ambition to play for the national team as long as possible. He hopes to score goals for Kosovo and ultimately help them qualify for a major tournament, which he prioritizes over scoring in the Champions League.

Despite the significance of the match, which could eliminate Kosovo's chances of advancing, Muriqi conveyed a sense of calm within the team. "We don't feel pressure because the game hasn't started," he said, emphasizing that the outcome will be decided on the field. He believes Kosovo has a chance to win and secure a good result, especially with the home advantage. Muriqi also noted that while Israel has improved tactically in recent years, they are not considered favorites, as "in football, you never know."