North Macedonia U21: Manojlov urges unity before three matches

The North Macedonia under-21 team faces a compact schedule of three matches in eight days as it prepares for the next phase of the European Championship cycle under new head coach Aleksandar Tanevski.

Busy week: Russia friendly then two qualifiers

The squad will host a preparatory friendly against Russia U20 on 28 September at the Petar Milosevski training centre, before returning to competitive action in Group E. North Macedonia meet Montenegro in Bitola on 1 October and travel to Falkenberg to face Sweden on 5 October.

Nikola Manojlov, one of the team’s players, described the mood inside the camp as constructive and focused. "The atmosphere in the squad is excellent and we are all fully motivated and focused on the challenges ahead. We have great communication among ourselves, we work well in training and there is a desire for positive results. Our coaching staff has analysed in detail the opponents waiting for us — Russia, Montenegro and Sweden. We know that every team has its own qualities and specificities, so we are preparing seriously for each match separately. The most important thing is to stay together, disciplined and to fulfil the tasks we will be given. We believe in our qualities and with maximum commitment we want to show that we have a quality team that can compete with strong sides," Manojlov said.

Entering the final two qualifiers of the 2027 cycle, North Macedonia sit fifth in Group E. After eight matches the team has collected six points. Poland top the group with 24 points, followed by Italy on 21; Montenegro and Sweden each have 10 points, while Armenia remain without a point.

The national side will use the friendly against Russia to sharpen ideas and keep players match-ready before the decisive qualifier in Bitola. Coaching staff and players have stressed discipline and unity as the pillars for trying to improve the team's position in the group.

Photo: press material from the event