Jordi Cruyff, the Maccabi Tel Aviv Head Coach addressed the media following their Matchday 16 Israel Premier League Ligat Ha’Al 1:0 win against Bnei Sakhnin:
“I liked the first half performance and I thought we would get a goal but it didn’t come. When you see that you’re 7 points off the table you feel the urgency to score and we did but we weren’t able to kill off the game. We weren’t able to take advantage of the space and score another goal.”
Finding ways to win:
“The team is prepared for that. We are winning games, recording clean sheets, creating chances and today they had a wall which didn’t allow us much space. Once we get a goal, it opens it up but we couldn’t take advantage of that and the opponent has good corner and throws ins and we held on. We dropped back.”
The fans:
“When they see the team give 200% they are in their hearts in piece with that. The players feel the support in a good way and that’s why we have been winning games lately. The fans believe in the team and we believe in it as well.”
About Eyal Golasa:
“He’s training a bit, but there are a lot of games and we had to force players to play when they weren’t 100% ready. We want to get the players back to full strength and I think he will get some minutes in the Cup.”
Playing solid football:
“We look more solid and we are looking better. I know that if we give more than 100% we will keep going.”
Upcoming State Cup match against Bnei MMBE:
“We don’t take any game lightly and it doesn’t matter which division they are in. We respect all of our opponents and we will prepare properly for them.”
Getting on a roll:
“We defeated Beer Sheva and then Beitar, a team that we had a lot of problems with and then another win and that creates belief and that’s what is going on in the dressing room, belief.”
Eliran Atar’s status:
“He came in September and played 24-25 games and there are some games that he plays better in and I am extremely happy with Eliran.”
About Carlos Garcia:
“He was a guy that always knew how to play these game, organized and made a career of them. He can still actively participate in training and can have a direct impact on the players.”
Final thoughts on the match:
“I am happy with the effort and performance of the team, but I wish we could get that second goal.”
