Rafael Freitas: The European exit hurts, but the team must turn to other challenges
Shkëndija must shift focus to the domestic title race after elimination by Hibernian in the Conference League third qualifying round.
Shkëndija’s European campaign ended this summer after the club failed to overcome Scottish Hibernian in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League, and the team must now redirect its attention to domestic competition.
Rafael Freitas urges quick recovery and focus on the title race
Forward Rafael Freitas said the elimination hurts but stressed that the squad must move on rapidly because the next domestic fixtures are crucial for Shkëndija’s season objectives.
“Of course we are disappointed and sad that we did not manage to qualify for the next round. I believe we deserved it, because we were the better team in both matches, in Scotland and at home. Still, that is football, the team that plays better does not always win or advance. Regardless, tomorrow we face another important league match and we must redirect ourselves as soon as possible. Every match is key on the road to our main goal for this year, which is to win the title,” Freitas said.
He expressed confidence that the team can maintain the level shown in Europe and apply the same footballing style in the Macedonian First Football League (PMFL): “I do not doubt that we can keep this level. As you saw, we displayed excellent football in Europe and we believe we have everything needed to continue with this style of play throughout the championship. Many difficult and uncertain matches await us, but we must show the strength of our team, aim to improve from game to game and sustain the level we showed in Europe to achieve our goals.”
Freitas also emphasised the weight of wearing the Shkëndija shirt and the club’s ambition: “We know every match is important, but when you wear the Shkëndija shirt each game carries even greater weight because we understand the magnitude of this club. It is a club that always aims for wins and for the championship title. That is exactly what we will strive for this year, to bring the title back to the club, where it deserves to be.”
Shkëndija from Tetovo will host Bregalnica tomorrow in the third round of the PMFL at the Petar Miloševski complex in Skopje, with kickoff scheduled for 19:00.
Photo: press material from the event
