Forgotten former Arsenal star on verge of guiding minnows to Euro 2024 with ex-team-mate Pablo Zabaleta
SYLVINHO is on the verge of guiding Albania to Euro 2024 alongside ex-team-mate Pablo Zabaleta.
The former Arsenal defender has been in charge of Albania since January, with Zabaleta joining him as assistant manager.
ReutersSylvinho is on the verge of guiding Albania to Euro 2024[/caption]
GettyThe Brazilian spent two years at Arsenal during his playing days[/caption]
Under Sylvinho, the Eagles have lost just once and are unbeaten in their last four qualifiers.
Sunday’s win over Poland has seen Albania move top of their group with ten points from their first five matches.
The result leaves them just three games away from just a second-ever major tournament.
Albania previously qualified for Euro 2016, but were eliminated in the group stage.
Standing in their way is a home match against the Czech Republic next month before clashes with Moldova and the Faroe Islands in November.
Prior to taking over the side placed 65th in the FIFA World Rankings, Sylvinho had an impressive playing career.
During his time as a left-back the Brazilian spent two years with Arsenal.
He scored five goals in 80 appearances for the Gunners after arriving from Corinthians before returning to England with Manchester City.
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It was after joining City in 2009 that Sylvinho played with Zabaleta, playing 15 times before retiring a year later.
The 49-year-old occupied the dugout at both Lyon and Corinthians before getting a taste of international management, which has seen him give Zabaleta his first coaching role.
