Shkendija boss admits what 'worries' him ahead of Hibs as European foe names issue 'we simply must fix'
Hibs know it’s North Macedonian opposition coming next in the Conference League.
Shkendija will quickly turn their attentions to Hibs in the Conference League - as they aim to address a key issue ahead of Easter Road.
David Gray’s Premiership side overturned a two-goal deficit to win 4-3 on aggregate against Kosovan side Malisheva in their second round qualifier. Shkendija of North Macedonia downed Slovenia’s NK Bravo by the same aggregate scoreline after a 3-1 success on home soil in their return leg and now head for Leith next Thursday. Managed by Artim Pollozhani, they finished second in the Macedonian First League last season and competed in this competition’s league phase, but he’s concerned by their three goals conceded against Bravo.
There are aspects of his team he is delighted with but an added ‘ruthless’ streak is being sought in other elements. He said post-match: “The psychological aspect is crucial for the players. You see, when you are creating chances but then get hit by an opponent's opportunity—much like what happened in the first match in Slovenia—morale can take a dip.
Shkendija on key issue ahead of Hibs
“However, I am extremely pleased with the subsequent reaction. Naturally, you might concede a goal—perhaps by accident or from a set-piece—but what I really liked was that we didn't drop our intensity. We maintained our rhythm and kept pushing the whole time. Even in the first half, there were chances—situations like 4-on-2 breaks—that could have been converted. But from the very first day I arrived here, I stated that we would play open, chance-filled football.
“And that is exactly what the lads delivered today. Even though we missed some chances, when you keep generating opportunity after opportunity, the goal is bound to come eventually. It could happen in the 15th minute, the 30th, the 70th, or even in the final minutes, just like our third goal did. The credit for this goes entirely to the lads. Regarding the psychological aspect, we have a saying: we absolutely must build a winning mentality. Now, regarding the chances created—it’s certainly not a problem when you are generating opportunities.
“The issue lies in converting those chances, and that is something we, the technical staff, need to work on. However, what I didn't like—and what could be avoided—is conceding goals. If you look at it, we conceded all three goals against Bravo far too easily. That worries me. And as I said, we need to work on finishing; we absolutely have to address that area because we aren't strong enough in duels. Football involves physical clashes, and we are lacking in that department. Perhaps it stems from our attempt to play out from the back, but we simply must fix the ruthless side of our game.”
How will Shkendija prepare for Hibs?
Pollozhani was asked about Easter Road in his post-match presser, but as he didn’t know who’d progressed out of the Hibs vs Malisheva tie, refused to get bogged down in specifics. Planning would commence regardless of who the opponent was going to be. He added: “I believe it was an important match, but one that our players managed exceptionally well. I must commend the players for this, as the credit belongs to them.
“It wasn't easy, given that we were facing an opponent that sits deep in a low block and waits for opportunities to launch quick attacks. Practically speaking, we take it one match at a time, whoever comes next. Starting tomorrow, we’ll think about the opponent you mentioned—Hibernian. Up until now, the focus has been entirely on the match against Bravo. Tomorrow, we’ll look at the next match, analyse it, and work on the tactics we’ll use against that opponent.”