The Macedonia national team opens the League B cycle with a match against Switzerland on 26 September in Skopje. Following the home premiere, Goce Sedloski’s men will face three more fixtures in a short period: an away match against Slovenia on 29 September, a home match against Scotland on 3 October and the second clash with Switzerland, on 6 October in Lucerne.
The packed schedule will be one of the biggest challenges for the Macedonian footballers. Tihomir Kostadinov believes that maximum preparation at every training session and a deeper squad will be especially important during the period in which the national team will play four matches in just eleven days.
„I think we need to be fully prepared at every training session. The preparation time is short, and we are expecting four matches in eleven days. But I think we have a large enough group of players who can all play and give their maximum, so that we can be successful in all the matches and show ourselves in a good light.“
For Kostadinov, the upcoming cycle will be a true indicator of the current quality and capabilities of the Macedonian national team against strong European sides.
„I think this will be a true test for us to see where we stand at the moment and to show that we can compete with those national teams as well. Of course, I can say that all the other national teams are favourites, but that means nothing. Everything will be decided on the pitch. We must give our maximum in every match, and I think we will show ourselves in a good light.“
The Macedonian international points out that success will require maximum commitment from the entire team, regardless of whether it concerns defensive or offensive duties. In his view, playing in both directions must be a shared responsibility of all the footballers.
„In both attack and defence, we all have to work as one. A goal can be scored from a set piece, and a defender can score as well. My personal opinion is that the defence starts with the attack, but the attack also starts with the defence. All eleven players, except Stole, can threaten the goal.“
Creating chances and finishing them will be an important part of Macedonia’s plan in the four matches.
„Of course, we will work on that plan, to create as many chances as possible and score goals. I think these four matches will be a true test of that.“
