“Preparing for anything and everything”

Maccabi Tel Aviv coach Slavisa Jokanovic spoke to the local media following the 1:2 loss to Viktoria Plzen.

What did you think were the reasons why you gave up two quick goals after starting so well?

We played well at the beginning but we made mistakes. In this level of the competition when you make mistakes you pay a heavy price. This was not the situation we wanted to start off with.

Mistakes were made tonight, what will you need to do next week in Plzen?

We spoke this week about making sure to not let Plzen catch us off guard and not to give up the first goal and we made sure to practice not to make mistakes and to keep four back defensive unit, but this was a team breakdown.

We have to work together as a team and to be compact. We have players that don't do enough to follow the plan that was laid out before the match. The players have to work together and we can change what we need to for next week. This is a tough completion and we will have to make some changes. We are two goals down and we will have to find a draw or win the next game. I will have to freshen up my team and move ahead.

What can you say about the European dream?

We are at halftime and we will have to find some kind of advantage for the next game. Fortunately we scored a goal and they didn't bury their chance for a third goal so we are still in it. We have to be prepared for anything and everything.

Can you say a few words about Avi Rikan?

He played with energy, he's fast and he's added another dimension to the team. He can also work on our set pieces and he played two different roles tonight and did a good job.

What did you think about Barak Itzhaki and Gili Vermouth's performance?

I had to take a risk and bring in new players in the second half. The team may have been a bit unbalanced but we were able to score a goal.

You and your assistants weren't happy with some of the referee decisions?

This is part of the game and that's not the reason why we lost the match.

This Saturday you will face Hapoel Tel Aviv in the city Derby, how will you prepare?

This is the biggest derby in Israel. I will try and learn as much as I can about Hapoel Tel Aviv as they have a new coach and many new players. I know how important the match is and to make sure we perform well. However, right now it's not as important as the European competition. I want to repeat myself that I understand the supporters feelings but right now we have to concentrate on a match just three days later at Viktoria Plzen.