Kuže takes up Albania posting

The new coach will work closely with the players to improve our team and we would like to make a good showing in the last three games.

Josip Kuže has been named as the new coach of Albania, filling the post left vacant following Arie Haan's departure, with the former NK Dinamo Zagreb defender sure he is "a perfect fit for this team".

Tough competition
The 56-year-old Kuže, whose most recent postings were in charge of the Rwandan national team and Japanese club side JEF United, was chosen ahead of Austrian Peter Pacult and fellow Croatian Ilija Lončarević, signing a one-year contract with the option of a further 12 months. Albania lie second-from-bottom in FIFA World Cup qualifying Group 1 with just three qualifiers left to play.

'A good showing'
"The new coach will work closely with the players to improve our team and we would like to make a good showing in the last three games, though the results will not affect our standings," said Football Association of Albania president Armand Duka. Kuže added: "I am a perfect fit for this team. I am ambitious and like this situation, because Albania have quality players and promising youngsters."