Turkish football icon Riza Calimby: Kosovo too strong, Turkey won't get easy

As a player, he also developed a great reputation, counting over 500 presentations and eight prizes won, mainly with Besiktasis' fans.

In an interview for TelegraphCalimby has talked about Kosovo's strength and quality, the importance this match has for both nationals, and what factors can set this match.

Calimby starts by warning Turkey that Kosovo is a much better and more qualitative team than Romania.

Kosovo is a much more organised and qualitative team than Romania. For this reason, the match will not be easy for Turkey at all, rather, it will be very difficult, especially if played in transfers. If Kosovo is underestimated as a small team, then this could have negative consequences for Turkey”, Calimba has initially said.

The fact that Kosovo will play this match in front of its viewers, Calimby sees it as an enormous priority.

It is a fact that Kosovo has very talented players, some even playing in European championships. This increases the team level. Moreover, for Kosovo, the opportunity to qualify at the World Cup is extremely important. Playing at home, in front of his fans, they'll give the maximum”.

Support from fans is expected to be very large. We know that many Albanians and fans from the diaspora will be present, creating an extraordinary atmosphere. This match can take on the size of a true finale and should in no way be viewed as easy”.

Belgrade's former coach shows what factor could be determining to decide the winner of this confrontation.

“Different from Romania, Turkey this time will face a stronger opponent. Therefore, he must take all necessary measures. According to me, it's a balanced match and requires maximum concentration from both teams. It will be a very difficult challenge for both sides”.

“Of course Kosovo has good players like Vedat Muriqi, Hadergjona and noble Aslan. There are at least four or five very qualitative footballers to consider”.

This will make the match difficult for both teams. Both teams should be careful both in defence and in assault”.

Kosovo has very dangerous players, especially in the offensive department. For this reason, Turkey's defence should be extremely attentive during the entire” match, 63-year-old said.

Finally, Calimby expressed his gratitude and respect for Kosovo, saying co-operation between the two countries in a sports way must be harmonised even more.

Kosovo is very close to us, a country we love very much. We always have to have close football relationships, cooperate more, get players and trainers from each other, and do nice things together”, he concluded.

We remember that the match between Kosovo and Turkey will be played Tuesday evening at the beginning of 20:45. /Periscope