The MTA squad are preparing for their first practice under new head coach Pako Ayestaran: "Starting tomorrow, there's a new future"
A day after seeing their European campaign come to an end, Maccabi Tel Aviv are already looking ahead to Sunday night's "Toto" (League) Cup derby against municipal archrivals Hapoel Tel Aviv. MTA sports director Jordi Cruyff, who last night stood for the first time in the technical area for the match against Asteras Tripoli, spoke about the team's understandable disappointment at leaving their European dreams behind them: "This is the second European tie we've lost but still I have the feeling the players gave it everything they had, as did all the fans that were there. There were lots of reasons this campaign was very difficult for us, but still these are moments I'm very proud to be a part of the Maccabi family. I really do feel the passion, the players were hungry, ran themselves miles during the match and I can only say I'm very proud".
Cruyff continued: "Of course it's sad because when we started the campaign we expected to be playing European football and it's disappointing. But like I said before, there are many reasons the campaign was much harder for us, even this past week. I think all Maccabi fans can be proud and see how much desire there is in the squad. Starting tomorrow we've a new head coach with a new coaching staff and new ideas. Everyone is starting from scratch and I anticipate seeing the team emerge in the next few weeks with new energy and I hope we'll have a good season".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S60pyiFLRwU&list=UU-oWQqnf8B8a_TsmVi0mTUg
