Idan Nachmias was an unused substitute in Thursday’s Europa League dramatic late 2-1 defeat away to Sporting Braga. But from the bench, the 27-year-old defender who has been playing as a full back, remained adamant the team is ready for the tight fixture schedule. “We knew all along this is what we should expect this season” he said. “Once we secured qualification to the league phase, we knew to expect this overload but do everything to be ready for every match.”
Despite remaining in the bench, Nachmias, had a good view of his teammates let an 88th minute lead slip but remained positive: “Although I didn’t play, but I enjoyed watching the team from the sidelines as everyone battled and gave everything. Sometimes you win in the 90th minute and sometimes you lose but there were many positive things. We move on and look forward.”
On the transition between matches in Europe to the domestic league, Machmias added: “In my opinion it could only help us especially if we show up play like we know how to and win. This is the best remedy.”
On the way in which the foreign players and the rest of the team are coping with a complex situation of playing during war-time, Nachmias said: “The foreigners seem fine especially as the situation at the center of Israel for the moment doesn’t appear too stressful. Regardless we are all here with them. But the situation is not just stressful for the foreign players but also for our families as my brother is serving on the northern border with Lebanon. So this situation can encounter everyone on a more direct and personal level. One has to just detach himself because this is our profession which is what we are paid to do” he added. “We would like to win every match, win the championship and as many titles as possible. So we should be prepared for every match or challenge.”
Ahead of the switch from Europe to a match against newly promoted side Tiberias, Nachmias said: “We are used to this kind of transition as this is not our first year of playing abroad on Thursdays and in the league on Sundays. For the moment, the match against Tiberias is the most important thing in the world as we would like to continue the momentum we have in the league”.
