Slavisa Jokanovic spoke at the Champions League Matchday Five press conference prior to Maccabi’s last training session before facing the English Champions on Tuesday, 21:45 at Sammy Ofer Stadium. The coach discussed his goals, ambitions and keys to the match:
Last season Maribor surprised Chelsea in Slovenia:
“I remember this game last season when Chelsea played Maribor, but I don’t expect Chelsea to relax here in our stadium. This is an important game for them and I’m sure they have learned their lesson. It would be good news for us if this would be the case, but I don’t think so.”
On continuing to improve:
“We spoke many times about improving. We have improved but we must continue to do so. Are we satisfied if it’s just one goal and not get a point? Then no I won’t be satisfied. We will be more competitive.”
Keys of the match:
“The key will be to play solid defense and be more competitive and dangerous in the last third of the pitch. We are playing a very important team tomorrow and I expect we will see our best performance of the tournament to date.”
Chance to score some points:
“Maccabi Tel Aviv has two important games and if we score six points we have a chance to play in the Europa League this coming spring. For us it’s a very important day. I’m not worrying about Chelsea and their issues and I am concentrating on my team and my job. We will try to take what they will give us and right now it’s 0:0. We must find a way to get three points and it’s important for our supporters.”
The current goal:
“We haven’t finished our work yet in the Champions League and it’s an opportunity for our staff and our club to fight as hard as we can and win the game. I’m thinking about this target right now.”
On Chelsea’s struggles this season:
“Every season is a different year. Chelsea is the Premier League Champions. But remember a team like Dortmund had problems the year after they were in the Champions League final. I’m sure Chelsea will find their way back in the title hunt.”
