Gerhard Progni

Gerhard Nik Progni (born 6 November 1986) is an Albanian professional footballer plays as a midfielder for SC Gjilani.[1]

Gerhard Progni

Personal information
Full name	Gerhard Nik Progni
Date of birth	(1986-11-06) 6 November 1986
Place of birth	Bajram Curri, Albania
Height	1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Playing position(s)	Midfielder
Club information
Current team	Gjilani
Youth career
2000–2005	Partizani Tirana
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2004–2008	Partizani Tirana	40	(2)
2008–2009	Besa Kavajë	44	(5)
2009–2010	Dinamo Tirana	6	(0)
2010–2012	Flamurtari Vlorë	69	(14)
2012–2014	Kukësi	54	(10)
2014–2016	Skënderbeu Korçë	64	(10)
2016–2017	Zira	14	(2)
2017	Teuta Durrës	15	(2)
2017–2018	Partizani Tirana	34	(8)
2018–2019	Teuta Durrës	30	(7)
2019–	Gjilani	16	(8)
National team
2005–2006	Albania U19	3	(0)
2007–2008	Albania U21	10	(2)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 21:45, 8 December 2019 (UTC)

A Partizani Tirana product, Progni has played for several clubs in Albania, including Skënderbeu, whom he won one Albanian Superliga title.

Club career

Early career

Progni began his career with Partizani as a child, where he played for the youth teams within the club. During the 2004–05 season with Partizani's U-19 side, he won the national championship and he caught the attention of the senior team, who towards the end of the season invited to train with them. He was promoted from the U-19 side at the end of the season, and was loaned out to Albanian First Division side Kastrioti for the 2005–06 season in order to gain first team experience. During his year on loan he became an integral part of the first team squad as a teenager and with his good performances and 3 league goals he even helped the club achieve promotion to the Albanian Superliga after finishing third.[2]

Partizani

Following a success loan period at Kastrioti, Progni returned to his parent club Partizani and signed a three-year contract with the club. During the 2006-07 campaign he became an important first team player, making 29 league appearances and scoring 2 goals in the process, helping his side finish 4th in the league as well as reaching the semi-finals of the Albanian Cup, narrowly losing out to beaten finalists Teuta on away goals.[3][4] The following season, he played for Partizani until January, making 11 league appearances, before leaving the club for Besa Kavajë.

Besa

Porgni signed for Besa in January 2008 and immediately became an important member of the first team, making 16 league appearances and scoring 1 goal, helping the club finish third in the league behind his previous team Partizani.[5] He also scored a goal in the Albanian Cup with Besa, where the club reached the quarter-finals.[6] The following season Porgni remained in Kavajë and he made his European debut in the Intertoto Cup against Cypriot club Ethnikos Achna, where he was in the starting lineup for both legs, helping Besa to a 1–1 aggregate win on an away goal. In the next round his side faced Swiss outfit Grasshopper Club Zürich, who beat Besa 5–1 on aggregate, with Progni playing the full 90 minutes in both games. Domestically, Besa did not have a successful season, finishing 7th in the league, just 2 places above the relegation play-off spots. Progni did however have a successful individual season, scoring 4 league goals in 28 games, and by scoring 3 goals in 6 cup games.

Dinamo Tirana

Progni left Besa Kavajë at the end of the 2008–09 season and joined Dinamo Tirana in the summer transfer window. At Dinamo he had a difficult time attempting to break into the first team, as the squad had an array of talent in the midfield positions, including Emiljano Vila and Elis Bakaj, meaning Progni's chances were limited. He left the club in January and made just 5 league appearances during his short time at Dinamo, all of which were substitute appearances. His only goal for the club came in the Albanian Cup against Adriatiku.[7]

Flamurtari

After a less than fruitful short spell with Dinamo Tirana, Progni joined Flamurtari in January 2010 and immediately became and important player, featuring in 16 league games in the second half of the season, all of which were from the starting lineup. The following season Progni remained an integral player and his performances exemplified this, as he scored 6 goals in 30 league games, which helped Flamurtari to 2nd place in the Albanian Superliga.[8] At the end of season he went on a trial with Romanian Liga I champions FC Oțelul Galați, accompanied by fellow Albanian and former Oțelul Galaț player, Arben Kokalari.[9][10] His trial at the club was not successful, so he remained at Flamurtari for the following 2011–12 campaign. He featured in both Europa League games against Baumit Jablonec in the second qualifying round, which ended in a 7–1 aggregate loss for Flamurtari.[11] In the league campaign Progni played in 28 league games and scored 8 goals, helping Flamurtari finish 4th in the Albanian Superliga. In the cup, Progni featured in 12 games and scored 1 goal as Flamurtari reached the semi-finals, losing out to eventual winners Tirana.

Kukësi

Progni signed for newly promoted side FK Kukësi in the summer of 2012, who under the guidance of the club president Safet Gjici had an ambitious project to be one of the best clubs in the country.[12][13]

In October 2013 the club captain Rrahman Hallaçi gave up his duties, making Progni the club's captain for the remainder of the season.[14]

Skënderbeu

On 10 June 2014 reigning Albanian champions for the past four seasons, Skënderbeu announced the signing of Progni from FK Kukësi on a one-year contract. He was considered to be the replacement of Gjergji Muzaka who had left the club in favour of a return to one of Progni's former sides, Flamurtari.[15][16]

On 5 August 2015, in the returning match of the Third qualifying round of 2015–16 UEFA Champions League against Milsami Orhei, Progni scored the second goal of the match in the 55th minute to help the team to win the match at Elbasan Arena 2–0 and to qualify in Play-off round with the aggregate 4–0.[17]

Zira

On 23 June 2016, Progni moved for the first time aboard by signing a two-year contract with Zira FK of Azerbaijan Premier League.[18] Six months later, Progni left Zira by mutual consent on 9 January 2017.[19]

Teuta

On 23 January 2017, Progni returned to Albanian Superliga by signing a six-month contract with Teuta, taking the squad number 77.[20] In an interview two days later, he cited that he returned in Albania to stay closer to his family.[21] He made his debut later on 29 January against Tirana at home, contributing in a 1–0 win in the team's first competitive match of 2017.[22]

During the second part of 2016–17 season, Progni contributed with 15 league matches, scoring 2 times, including the winner against Vllaznia in the penultimate matchday which assured Teuta another season in the top flight.[23] He also played 4 matches and scored once in team's unsuccessful run in Albanian Cup, which ended at the hands of Skënderbeu.[24] Following the end of the season, Progni's contract expired and he became a free agent.

Return to Partizani

On 14 June 2017, Progni completed a transfer to Partizani, returning to his first club after nine years.[25] He was presented the same day where he penned a two-year contract with an option of a further one and was allocated squad number 77, the same he held during his last season with Teuta.[26]

Progni started the domestic season on 10 September by playing full-90 minutes in the opening championship match versus Laçi, ended in a 0–2 loss.[27] Progni was given a new role under Italian manager Mark Iuliano, playing as a right-back in the 4–3–3 lineup.[28] Progni's first score-sheet contributions came later on 20 November by netting the second of the 2–1 win at Kukësi.[29] The first win after three defeats in a row.[29]

In January 2018, Progni switched from number from 77 to his favourite 7, last worn by the departed Realdo Fili.[30] He wore the number 7 on 31 January in the cup match versus Flamurtari.[30] Progni finished the 2017–18 season as Partizani top scorer with 9 goals, including 8 in league, his highest tally since the 2011–12 season.

In July 2018, he played in both matches of 2018–19 UEFA Europa League first qualifying round against NK Maribor, unable to avoid the elimination.[31][32] Progni left the club in a surprise move on 30 August after having collected 43 matches and scoring 9 goals in all competitions.[33] Partizani Tirana terminated the player's contract by mutual consent due to being more focused on youngster players, while Progni's place in the starting lineup was not secure after collecting only 86 minutes in the first two league matches.[34] Manager Skënder Gega, speaking on Progni's departure, stated that the player was in his plans, but he [Progni] left with the aim of a new challenge.[35]

Return to Teuta

On 31 August 2018, Progni was presented as Teuta s' newest player, signing a contract until the end of the season and taking squad number 11.[36]

Gjilani

On 26 July 2019, Progni joined SC Gjilani.[37]

International career

Progni has presented Albania at youth level, making 3 appearances for under-19 side and 10 for under-21.

Career statistics

Club

As of 2 September 2018[1]

Club statistics

Club	Season	League			Cup		Europe		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Partizani	2003–04	Albanian Superliga	?	?	?	?	—		—		?	?
	2004–05		?	?	?	?	—		—		?	?
	2006–07		29	2	?	?	—		—		29	2
	2007–08		11	0	?	?	—		—		11	0
	Total		40	2	?	?	—		—		40	2
Besa	2007–08	Albanian Superliga	16	1	?	?	—		—		16	1
	2008–09		28	4	6	3	4[lower-alpha 1]	0	—		38	7
	Total		44	5	6	3	4	0	—		64	8
Dinamo Tirana	2009–10	Albanian Superliga	6	0	3	1	—		—		9	1
Flamurtari	2009–10	Albanian Superliga	14	0	0	0	—		—		14	0
	2010–11		30	6	2	0	—		—		32	6
	2011–12		25	8	12	1	2[lower-alpha 2]	0	—		39	9
	2012–13		—		—		1[lower-alpha 2]	0	—		1	0
	Total		69	14	14	1	3	0	—		86	15
Kukësi	2012–13	Albanian Superliga	25	6	9	2	—		—		34	8
	2013–14		29	4	9	2	8[lower-alpha 2]	1	—		46	7
	Total		54	10	18	4	8	1	—		80	15
Skënderbeu	2014–15	Albanian Superliga	31	5	5	2	2[lower-alpha 3]	0	1[lower-alpha 4]	0	39	7
	2015–16		33	5	8	2	11[lower-alpha 5]	1	1[lower-alpha 4]	0	53	8
	Total		64	10	13	4	13	1	2	0	92	15
Zira	2016–17	Azerbaijan Premier League	14	2	3	0	—		—		17	2
Teuta	2016–17	Albanian Superliga	15	2	4	1	—		—		19	3
Partizani	2017–18	Albanian Superliga	32	8	5	1	2[lower-alpha 2]	0	—		39	9
	2018–19		2	0	0	0	2[lower-alpha 2]	0	—		4	0
	Total		34	8	5	1	4	0	—		43	9
Teuta	2018–19	Albanian Superliga	1	0	0	0	—		—		1	0
Career total			341	53	66	14	32	2	2	0	441	69

1. All appearance(s) in UEFA Intertoto Cup
2. All appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League
3. All appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League
4. Appearance in Albanian Supercup
5. Six appearances in UEFA Champions League, five in UEFA Europa League

Honours

Skënderbeu Korçë[1]

• Albanian Superliga: 2014–15
• Albanian Supercup: 2014

References

1. "Albania - G. Progni - Profile with news, career statistics and history". Soccerway. Retrieved 3 January 2017.
2. "Albanian First Division 2006-06". RSSSF.com. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
3. "Albanian Superliga 2006-07". RSSSF.com. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
4. "Albanian Cup 2006-07". RSSSF.com. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
5. "Albanian Superliga 2007-08". RSSSF.com. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
6. "Albanian Cup 2007-08". RSSSF.com. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
7. "Dinamo 2-0 Adriatiku". Football Database. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
8. "Albanian Superliga 2010-11". RSSSF.com. Retrieved 3 January 2017.
9. "Progni, in teste" (in Romanian). Oțelul Galați. 22 June 2011. Archived from the original on 9 August 2016. Retrieved 3 January 2017.
10. "Otelul testeaza un jucator Albanez" (in Romanian). Zaire.com. 22 June 2011. Retrieved 3 January 2017.
11. "Jablonec vs. Flamurtari Vlorë". Soccerway. 21 July 2011. Retrieved 3 January 2017.
12. "Gerhard Progni zyrtarizohet si lojtar i Kukësit" [Gerhard Progni officialized as the new player of Kukësi] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 16 July 2012. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
13. "Progni firmos: Me Kukësin do lë gjurmë" [Progni sign: I'm gonna leave traces with Kukësi] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 17 July 2012. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
14. Jonuz Hallaçi (23 October 2013). "Hallaçi dorëzon shiritin, Gerhard Progni kapiteni i ri" [Hallaçi hand over captaincy, Progni the new captain] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
15. "Po dje është zyrtarizuar edhe largimi i kroatit Pero Pejiç". Gazeta e Sportit. 11 June 2014. Archived from the original on 13 June 2014. Retrieved 11 June 2014.
16. "Firmosin Bakaj dhe Progni, rinovon edhe mesfushori Sabien Lilaj për Skënderbeun" [Bakaj and Progni signs, also midfielder Sabien Lilaj renew for Skënderbeu] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 11 June 2014. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
17. "Skënderbeu historik, rekord në Europë, likuidojnë Milsamin dhe shkojnë në "play-off" (Video)" [Skënderbeu historical, record in Europe, liquidates Milsami and goes to "play-off" (Video)] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 5 August 2015. Archived from the original on 7 August 2015. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
18. ""Zire" signed a contract with Gerhard Progni". fczire.az. Zira FK. 23 June 2016.
19. "Zirə Gerhard Proqni ilə yollarını ayırdı". fczire.az (in Azerbaijani). Zira FK. 9 January 2017. Retrieved 9 January 2017.
20. Sotir Kora (23 January 2017). "Progni rikthehet dhe firmos me Teutën" [Progni returns and sign with Teuta] (in Albanian). SuperSport Albanian. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
21. "Progni zbulon pse braktisi Azerbajxhanin për Teutën" [Progni unveils why he left Azerbaijan for Teuta] (in Albanian). Sportal.al. 25 January 2017. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
22. Rinald Bregasi (28 January 2017). "Tirana e përgjumur, e mposht Teuta 1-0" [Tirana sleepy, beaten by Teuta 1-0] (in Albanian). SuperSport Albania. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
23. Olsi Karagjozi (20 May 2017). "Teuta "zhyt" Vllaznine, në Durrës vendos Progni" [Teuta “plunge” Vllaznia, Progni decides in Durrës] (in Albanian). SuperSport Albania. Retrieved 14 June 2017.
24. "Kupa, Tirana-Skënderbeu në finale" [The cup, Tirana-Skënderbeu in the final] (in Albanian). Gazeta Shqip. 19 April 2017. Retrieved 14 June 2017.
25. "ZYRTARE: GERHARD PROGNI RIKTHEHET NE FAMILJEN E KUQE" [OFFICIAL: GERHARD PROGNI RETURNS TO THE RED FAMILY] (in Albanian). Partizani.al. 14 June 2017. Retrieved 14 June 2017.
26. "Zyrtare/ Progni është i Partizanit" [Official/ Progni is Partizani's] (in Albanian). Sport Ekspres. 14 June 2017. Retrieved 14 June 2017.
27. "Iuliano debuton me humbje, Laçi mund Partizanin me 10 vetë" [Iuliano debutes with a loss, Laçi defeats Partizani with 10 man] (in Albanian). Tirana Observer. 10 September 2017. Archived from the original on 10 September 2017. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
28. "Bardhi "djeg" Sukajn, Progni si mbrojtës" [Bardhi “buries” Sukaj, Progni as defender] (in Albanian). Sport Ekspres. 2 October 2017. Retrieved 2 October 2017.
29. "Partizani kthehet tek fitorja, mposht Kukësin. "Paqe" mes Laçit dhe Luftëtarit" [Partizani returns to victory, defeats Kukësi. “Peace” between Laçi and Luftëtari] (in Albanian). Ora News. 20 November 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
30. "Buzëqesh Progni, klubi i plotëson dëshirën që kishte prej kohësh" [Porgni smiles, the club grant his long-time wish] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 1 February 2018. Retrieved 1 February 2018.
31. "Partizani 0-1 Maribor". UEFA.com. 12 July 2018. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
32. "Maribor 2-0 Partizani". UEFA.com. 19 July 2018. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
33. "Progni largohet nga Partizani, qëndron në Superiore" [Progni flees from Partizani, stays in Albanian Superliga] (in Albanian). Sport Ekspres. 30 August 2018. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
34. Drilon Xhepollari (31 August 2018). "Zbulohen prapaskenat, ja pse Progni u largua nga Partizani" [The background is unveiled, here's why Progni left Partizani] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
35. "Gega: Prognin e kishim në plane, ja pse nuk kanë ardhur ato lojtarë që doja" [Gega: We had Progni in our plans, where's why the players i wanted didn't come] (in Albanian). Sport Ekspres. 31 August 2018. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
36. "Prezantohet Gerhard Progni, mund të luajë sërish ndaj Kamzës" [Gerhard Progni presented, he can play again versus Kamza] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 31 August 2018. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
37. Zyrtare: Gjilani firmos me Prognin, ballkani.info, 26 July 2019

External links

• Gerhard Progni – UEFA competition record