In the run up to tomorrow's league derby against Hapoel Tel Aviv, a few words from Maccabi Tel Aviv's sports director Jordi Cruyff
I write these lines the morning after the 0-0 draw with Maccabi Haifa. First of all I'd like to thank all of our loyal fans for their outstanding support. Preparing for such a crucial match without the presence of 12 key players on international duty was not an ideal situation, but we knew from the start that the better the whole squad played, the more of the lads would be capped for the national side. And this is as good an opportunity as any to congratulate that side for the outstanding results they achieved against Portugal and Northern Ireland. Those congratulations go out in particular to Sheran Yeini and Tomer Chencinski, who made their maiden appearances for Israel and Canada respectively.
So far the play-off matches have not been rife with goals, and that goes for Maccabi Tel Aviv as well.
The key to success at this stage is staying focused. Defending properly is absolutely crucial too, but so is taking advantage of the few chances that come your way in the course of the match. Staying focused is our top priority in the match against Hapoel Tel Aviv tomorrow as well because the Derby is a special moment for the players and the supporters alike. And as always our message is that football's best fans, the Maccabi Tel Aviv fans, are also the best behaved fans no matter what happens on the pitch. You have our solemn promise that in light of our mission that has yet to be completed, we will continue to fight and give all of you loyal fans every reason to be proud to be wearing the blue-and-yellow colours of Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Jordi
