North Macedonia leave for European Championship: Portugal and Israel are our chance

The North Macedonia men's national volleyball team departs for Sofia prepared for the European Championship, which opens for them on 9 September and marks the country's fourth appearance at the continental finals.

At a press conference held in Skopje ahead of the team's final two training days, head coach Josko Milenkoski, captain Nikola Gjorgiev, veteran Vlado Milev and debutant Filip Jovanov, together with officials from the Volleyball Federation of North Macedonia, outlined their expectations for the tournament in Bulgaria.

Coach: the group is very tough, but Portugal and Israel are our chance

Coach Josko Milenkoski was candid about the difficulty of the task ahead while stressing the team’s preparation.

“This is the biggest event in our sport at the moment where the best volleyball players in the world will parade, and the teams are from the very top of world volleyball. Just to remind you, Poland, Bulgaria and Ukraine are currently among the top 10 ranked national teams on the world list. Portugal and Israel are well-known opponents we have played before, especially Israel, but they too are among the European volleyball elite. Everyone knows we play in the toughest group of this European Championship, however within these preparations we have trained well for a good showing at the European Championship. Still, to be honest, we ourselves are aware that the first three matches against Bulgaria, Ukraine and Poland will perhaps be preparatory matches for what follows – the most important matches against Portugal and Israel. Of course, even against the first three rivals we will not give up, we will play our best game, and we will represent our country with dignity,”

Volleyball Federation president Petar Jovanovski urged supporters to travel to Sofia and back the team in large numbers.

“For us, the fourth European Championship is not just our success and our result; it is a success of the whole state and the entire nation. For the fourth time the Macedonian national team will compete at the European Championship, we are again among the best, which is a continuity that has lasted for 8–10 years. This time the group we compete in is truly strong, but we are strong as well, which is why we are present at this European Championship. Come and cheer in Sofia, come in large numbers, to show how many of us there are,” Jovanovski said.

Photo: press material from the event