Macedonia’s national team will play its second Nations League match tomorrow, against Slovenia at the Stožice Stadium in Ljubljana. Following the defeat to Switzerland in Skopje, head coach Goce Sedloski announced changes to the lineup and a reaction from his players.
„We thoroughly analysed the match against Switzerland and know where we need to correct our mistakes. The players are ready and I expect maximum commitment from everyone. Slovenia are a quality national team, they played at the last European Championship and deserve the utmost respect. There will be some changes to the lineup in several areas,“ said Sedloski.
The head coach said that he believes in the players at his disposal and that the atmosphere in the national team camp is at a high level.
„We have an excellent squad, a combination of young and experienced footballers. The atmosphere is good and we are all motivated to play better. I am responsible for selecting the players, but I expect them to show greater quality and character on the pitch. Slovenia must not be underestimated and we have to be fully prepared.“
Captain Stole Dimitrievski, meanwhile, said that the national team players had discussed the shortcomings from the first match and that their focus is now fully directed towards Slovenia.
„We know that we did not perform at the desired level against Switzerland. We spoke among ourselves and now we have to show a reaction. We have little time between the matches, but we must prepare, support one another and respond to the task to the best of our ability. This shirt and Macedonia deserve us giving everything we have,“ said Dimitrievski.
Macedonia’s goalkeeper is also looking forward to another duel with Jan Oblak, whom he has faced for years in Spain’s La Liga.
„Oblak and I have played against each other for more than ten years, and I know very well what kind of goalkeeper he is. He is one of the best. I hope to do my job, keep a clean sheet and that together we will play a good match. We need several quality games to build our confidence,“ added Dimitrievski.
The Slovenia–Macedonia match will be played tomorrow at 20:45 at Stožice in Ljubljana.
