Shyqyri Rreli

Shyqyri Rreli
Personal information
Full nameShyqyri Rreli
Date of birth18 May 1930
Place of birthTiranë, Albania
Playing positionForward
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps(Gls)
1948-1949KF Erzeni
1949-1951Puna Tirana
1951-1962Dinamo
National team
1955-1958Albania1(0)
Teams managed
1961-1968Petro Nini Luarasi
1968-19xxShkëndija Tiranë U19
19xx-19xxShkëndija Tiranë
1972-1982Albania U21
1982-1985Albania
1987-1990KF Tirana
1988-1989Albania
1993Teuta Durrës
1994-1998KF Albanët
1996Shkumbini Peqin
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of February 3, 2014.

† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of February 3, 2014

Shyqyri Rreli (born in 1930) is a former Albanian football player for who spent the majority of his career with Dinamo Tirana, having previously played for KF Erzeni and Puna Tirana, which is the modern day KF Tirana. As a coach he is most noted for being in charge of the Albanian national team between 1982 and 1985 and again between 1988 and 1999.[1] He has also managed Albania U21, KF Tirana, Teuta Durrës and Shkumbini Peqin.

Career

A relatively successful forward for KF Erzeni, Puna Tirana and Dinamo Tirana[2] as a player in the 1960s, Rreli peaked as a coach of Albania national under-21 football team, which he led to two straight titles of the Balkan Youth Championship (in 1978 and 1981) and to the quarter finals of the Euro 1984, where Albania U21 was among the best 8 European teams.[3]

In his career he played mostly for Dinamo. As a coach he won two straight Albania's titles in 1987-88 1988-89 with KF Tirana. He led Tirana remarkably three times to the best 16 in three European competitions (1986–87 European Cup Winners' Cup, 1988–89 European Cup, and 1989–90 European Cup). As Albania national football team coach he will be remembered for getting Albania close to qualifying in the Mexico 1986 campaign, most notably through a victory against Belgium and draws against Poland and Greece.[3]

For his achievements Rreli was awarded in 2007 the Mjeshter i Madh civil medal by then president of Albania Bamir Topi.[3]

Personal life

He is the father in law of Mirel Josa, another famous footballer and coach.

References