Albania FA president Armand Duka is adamant coach Sylvinho and Chelsea striker Armando Broja are on good terms.
The centre-forward is yet to play for Sylvinho since the Brazilian's appointment as Albania coach in January. However, Broja did spend some days with the squad during the October internationals before being released back to Chelsea.
Broja has been working his way back from knee surgery performed before Christmas and while he is seeing action for Chelsea, the striker's playing time is being strictly managed. As such, Broja was missing for last week's international programme, which saw Albania confirm their qualification for Euro2024.
However, his absence had tongues wagging suggesting there was a rift developing between player and coach. But when these claims were put to Duka, the FA president was quick to shut them down.
He told Tribalfootball.com: “I have been asked many times about this and I will continue saying there isn't any problem with Broja. I don't want to say it's fake news, but there is a need to explain things.
"Broja has been out for a year with a serious injury and I hope Armando gets better. He is a very good player, a precious talent, a player that Albania rarely has seen in our history. Broja is very important for the national team and I am sure he will be part of the national team."
Indeed, Duka admits he's eager to see Broja get himself fully fit for Chelsea so he can be in peak shape for the summer's Euros.
He continued: "Because he has been out of the national team for a long time now, his challenge is to integrate as soon as possible with this group of players. This group of players has been fantastic and been winning. Now Broja needs to find space and become part of this group.
"Knowing his professional level, I am sure he will overcome this challenge and be part of the squad in the near future."
- photo from Profimedia
