Albania plan Baric tonic

Albania hope the absence of coach Otto Barić will motivate their strikers against Slovenia on Saturday as they chase a first UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying win.

Shock departure
The loss of centre-forward and captain Igli Tare - ruled out due to a lack of playing time at S.S. Lazio - looked like being the big story when Austrian-born Barić named his squad for the week's Group G qualifiers at home to Slovenia and away to Bulgaria, until the coach himself was forced on to the sick list. The former Croatia boss has temporarily handed the reins to his assistants Slavko Kovačić and Shpëtim Duro after suffering heart and breathing problems. The 74-year-old had only just announced his selection when doctors told him to take it easy and miss both matches.

'Otto Maximum'
Appointed following the departure of Hans-Peter Briegel last June, Barić has pledged to revive Albania's fortunes. "I have been around for 35 years as a coach, and won nine titles and seven cups in 18 years in Austria," he said. "I have also reached two European club finals - that's why they call me 'Otto Maximum'." However, his presence is yet to bring the positive results Albania supporters yearn for. A 2-2 draw in their Group G opener in Belarus preceded defeats by Romania and the Netherlands, while a recent 1-0 home friendly loss to F.Y.R. Macedonia meant more disappointment.

Hitting form
Sadly, the coach's lay-off appears to have coincided with a good run of form for Albania's front men. With Erion Bogdani, Hamdi Salihi, Edmond Kapllani and Alban Bushi all on song, the 33-year-old Tare suddenly seems almost surplus to requirements. Likely to start against Slovenia in Shkoder, Bogdani has scored four goals in his last four Serie A games for AC Chievo Verona. Meantime Salihi shows promise with SV Ried in Austria, Karlsruher SC's Kapllani is the leading marksman in Germany's 2. Bundesliga and Bushi is catching the eye at Greek club Apollon Kalamarias FC.

Bushi's medication
At 31, Bushi is no youngster, but five strikes in his last five league appearances tell their own story, and he is eager to partner Bogdani against Slovenia. "If I play and score, my goal will be like medication to help the coach get better," he said. A win against Slovenia would doubtless have Barić on his feet and celebrating, doctor's orders or otherwise.