The Macedonia national team is continuing preparations for the two friendly matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo and Turkey in Istanbul, while defender Jovan Manev is returning to the national team after a spell on the sidelines due to injury.
The Novi Pazar player says it is an honour for him to be part of the national team again and stated that Macedonia will be aiming for victories in both matches.
„We have matches ahead of us against quality national teams such as Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey. We are ready to give our maximum, regardless of whether it is a friendly or a match for points. Such distinctions do not exist when playing for the national team, because every match is extremely important,“ Manev said.
The Macedonia international stressed that the quality of the opponents is an additional motivation for a good performance.
„I am confident that we will all give our maximum in these two matches and I hope for victories. The fact that Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey qualified for the World Cup itself shows that they are national teams of great quality, but that will mean nothing if we are at the right level and give our maximum on the pitch. We congratulate them on qualifying for the World Cup, but we are going there to give one hundred percent and win,“ Manev said.
Ahead of the matches, Manev stressed that the most important thing will be for the players to fulfil the coach’s instructions.
„The coach will have the final say, while it is our job to respect his demands, carry out the tasks he sets for us and give everything we have to achieve victory,“ the Macedonia defender added.
