The Yellow-and-Blue get back to league play on Matchday Eleven against Hapoel Haifa at Sammy Ofer Stadium as Head Coach Slavisa Jokanovic spoke to the assembled media this morning and began by taking about coming back from the break:
“I believe that these two weeks off came at just the right time. We needed rest and to renew our strength. I expect that we will play better than the last few matches. I’m working with my current squad and it’s clear that we have to perform better than we have been. We have a chance to show our improvement this Saturday against Hapoel Haifa.”
Maccabi’s main rivals, Hapoel Beer Sheva:
“We have the same amount of points that we had last year at this time. I’m not really thinking about Hapoel Beer Sheva right now but just about our own play. I’ve been explaining to the players what they need to do to improve and if everyone thinks Beer Sheva is better than us then that gives us a lot of room to improve.”
Keeper Predrag Rajkovic’s injury:
“We will check if he can play in the next game, but I understand from our medical team that the injury is not serious. We have players that are ready if we need them.”
January transfer window plans:
“Right now we are in November and we will play many games until we reach January. Once we get to January we will see what we need to do. We will have to see if we need to invest or if we are fine the way we are. I will push my interests which are the same as Maccabi Tel Aviv.”
Shlomi Azoulay’s status:
“Shlomi has improved himself and he is working hard. January is two months away and we shall see.”
Rumors from England:
“I spoke to my agent last week and there is interest in England but now I am here and that is where my focus is, with Maccabi Tel Aviv. I’m here. There may be speculation but I’m here to coach Maccabi Tel Aviv.”
Concerning the status of Barak Itzhaki and Eli Dasa:
“They have returned from their injuries and this week
