Peter Bosz, Maccabi Tel Aviv’s brand new.head coach was officially introduced at Thursday morning’s press conference prior to the club’s Sunday encounter with Maccabi Haifa at Bloomfield Stadium. Club CEO Martin Bain began the proceedings welcoming the Dutchman to the Yellow-and-Blue family as the former Vitesse boss spoke about his expectations, impressions and life in Tel Aviv:

Welcome by Maccabi Tel Aviv CEO Martin  Bain:

“We are here to welcome our new coach Peter Bosz who we believe has all of the attributes to help move the club forward and we have signed him to an 18-month contract. We hope to continue to build on the success the club has had so far as well as helping us all reach our ambitions for Maccabi. We are all here to help him reach his goals along with his assistant Hendrie Kruzen.”

Questions for Maccabi Tel Aviv’s new Head Coach, Peter Bosz:

Why did you choose to come to Maccabi?

“I played 5 years abroad and had experiences playing in France, Germany and Japan. After that point I wanted to develop myself as a coach and did so in Holland for the past 15 years. When this chance came along it was at just the right moment and the right thing for me to do. I discussed it with Jordi and I am looking forward to advancing outside of Holland as well.”

What  do you know about Maccabi?

 “I’ve studied the players and I was lucky that one of your fantastic players came to me in one Sheran Yeini. We talked a lot about the club, the players and the country. Now I have to get to know the players and it’s only when you work with them that you really get to know them. My sole focus is now on Maccabi. I have to get to know the players and they have to get to know me.”

Expectations going forward:

“Since the club has been champions the past few years, won a Treble and played in the Champions League, things have been going pretty good. But I have to begin to get to know the players and help them take the next step. The aim is always to become champions and that is our goal now. I want to bring out the best out of my players.”

Style of play:

“I like to win but I also like to play attractive and dominant football. With Vitesse we pressed forward and built from behind, but I have to see the qualities of the players I have here and we will see what we can build together.”

On  leaving in the middle of the season from Vitesse:

“I was not happy leaving Vitesse in the middle of the year and I’ve been with club for a long time as both a player and coach. I want to be here in Israel for at least 18 months. At Vitesse they had a number of head coaches for very short periods of time but I stayed with them for 2.5 years. This is my track record. So far the people here are warm and friendly.”

About  Dutch football and the influence of Johan Cruyff:

 “As a child I watched a lot of football and I saw how Johan Cruyff played and how he thought about football on and off of the pitch. The Dutch school of thought is based on those principles.”

Moving to Israel:

“As a football player I was here in the early 1990’s with my French team in Herzliya and with Feyenoord when we played against Petach Tikva. So I’ve been here before and I knew what to expect coming to Israel. I’ll be living in Tel Aviv, but my children will stay in Holland. My wife is coming next week and when I was here in the past I can say that Tel Aviv made a wonderful impression on me. Everybody that knows Tel Aviv said to me that it’s a great city to live in.”

Upcoming plans for Maccabi:

“We have to work hard, all of us from the coaches to the players. I am not planning to change everything here as the club has won championships and titles but I want to help the club move a level up and will make some changes. I want to bring good football and entertain the fans. It’s possible to do that and also get results. It’s difficult but we will work hard.”

The Israeli Classico against Maccabi Haifa is on Sunday:

“It’s not easy for me to put a big mark on the match on Sunday but we will all work together preparing for the game. Jordi and the other coaches have been very helpful so far and this will continue.”

Maccabi Tel Aviv Sports Director Jordi Cruyff:

On upcoming plans for the January transfer window:

“We’ve always added new players in January and have done so when we were in first place. We are a team that always looks to increase the quality and level of the team during this time period. Of course, we have some plans ready and have been actively scouting for the past 5 months, but Peter needs to see what he has first and what he may lack. From there we can see what types of players we will need to bring in.”

On hiring Peter Bosz:

Over the years I’ve had conversations with Peter and it’s part of my job to be alert as to see what situations coaches are in. We have sent a number of coaches to England and to other top leagues from Maccabi. I’m very happy that after a lot of talking, Peter is now here and I plan on giving him all the tools and resources to succeed with Maccabi Tel Aviv.”

On bringing in a Dutch coach:

“It was easier to bring in Spanish and Portuguese coaches at the beginning. Easier to adapt to Israel and the style of play. Now was the chance to bring in someone who could offer a specific style of football.”

About the foreign players with the club:

“The foreigners are a small portion of the total players at the club but they have been a big part of the success throughout the years. Many have been very happy here in Israel. They enjoy life here, life with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the project that we are involved with.”