With news coming through about the restart of TASE Premier League action at the end of the month, Maccabi Tel Aviv’s players are beginning to refocus their aim on the challenge that lies ahead, with the playoff phase awaiting. We spoke to midfielder Ruslan Barsky who told us how he and his teammates are feeling right now.
“We are very happy. We have all desperately missed playing and we have been waiting for this moment. It’s important for us to be ready and do things correctly. After word went around that we might be awarded the league title, rather than have to win it by finishing the job we started, we will have to fight to keep the title in Tel Aviv,” Barsky said.
How will you cope with the many special restrictions that will be imposed in the coming period?
“It’s understandable and we will have to act responsibly, because everybody’s health is paramount, but that should not interfere with our ability to play football. Of course, playing without the large and adoring crowd, who are a major force, will be strange and we would prefer that the game was back for us and for the fans too, but we will have to play under the restrictions and we will have to win the remaining games.”
What do you think of the strange period you have faced?
“This was indeed a very unusual time for us all. It was difficult but it is hard to sum up this time in only a few words. It was an incomprehensible and disarming time for the country and for the whole world, and of course, for football and the world of business but I am sure that we will all emerge stronger and we will do so quickly.
What do you most look forward to as you get back to competitive play?
“First of all, the frenzy of the action and the feeling of excitement of playing. To provide a great telling pass, or a thrilling sliding tackle that will spur the entire team to enjoy the games.”
What will it be like to play in June?
“That is something that will be most unusual. We have never played in June, but I actually don’t think it will make much difference, because ultimately, this is our profession and we want to be as successful as we can be and win all our matches. We want to rekindle the momentum that we gained at the start of the season and win the title again, no matter in which month it happens.”
Are you managing to make the mental adjustments to be able to focus on winning another league title?
“From the moment we got back into training, we had a good feeling that we would also be back playing and that the league would not be abandoned. All the players returned to train hard and concentrated on being prepared for the first game, but we all realise that nothing is sealed and that we will have a tough fight on our hands if we want to retain the title.”
