Visar Musliu: We must seriously rethink how we play

Visar Musliu said on October 5, 2026 that North Macedonia must urgently rethink how it plays after a disappointing result against Scotland, speaking at a press conference in Lucerne ahead of the national team’s match in Switzerland on October 6, 2026.

Musliu: tough period, urgent self-reflection

Addressing the media in Lucerne, the experienced centre‑back acknowledged the team is going through a difficult stretch and reminded supporters that recent years brought strong results and high expectations.

“We are going through a difficult period because in the last eight years we showed really good results, and we trained the public to expect positive outcomes. And after the match with Scotland I pointed out that the national team is not a joke. That is a kind of self‑criticism towards all of us who are in the national team that we must put a finger to the forehead and think well about how we play on the field and how much we give of ourselves,” Musliu said.

He continued by admitting the players feel the pressure of public criticism but urged for support when the team is struggling.

“We are people, we have emotions and of course when there are many insults directed at us the feeling is not pleasant at all. We are aware that we are playing poorly, but precisely at those moments we need support the most, because we ourselves want it to be better. Otherwise, Switzerland is not a strong side only in attack. They are extremely strong starting from the goalkeeper up to the offense itself. If we want to be successful tomorrow we must give more than 100% of ourselves. Only then can we match them,” he added.

Earlier, coach Sedloski had said: “I know what I'm doing, tomorrow there will be novelties!” The national team faces Switzerland in Lucerne on October 6, 2026.

Photo: Tiveropolnik / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)