Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Avi Rikan spoke about his club’s upcoming match against Hapoel Acre up north, tomorrow, Monday at 20:00 on Matchday 19 of the WINNER League. Number 22 discussed playing a pair of games during one week, the atmosphere around the club, expectations and how he has acclimated so far with the team:
“I’m not so surprised with Maccabi and how I’ve fit in. I knew what type of team and club I was coming to. I acclimated pretty quickly for only being here half a year. We had the Champions League qualification matches as soon as I arrived and continued forward from there since then.”
On having a new coaching staff:
“Changing coaches puts all of us in the same spot. We have to show the new coach that we want to play and we will have to produce on the pitch and be active. The coach will see us play and decide from there. We’ve made some changes as we have pressed and run more during the last couple of matches.”
Obligation as a player:
“We have to play well and do our work no matter who the coach is. We have an obligation to the club to play hard and give 100%.”
About the schedule:
“There have been cases when we played first before Beer Sheva and times when we haven’t like the matches recently. But as Maccabi Tel Aviv players we have expectations and there are expectations on us as well. We know that we have to play well and be properly prepared for tomorrow. We know what to expect in the league and we’re not afraid. We just want to let our actions speak for themselves on the pitch and take 3 points.”
Playing two matches in a week:
“We have a training staff to make sure that we are in good shape. So when we have two matches in four days the coaches will have us ready to go. We also have a deep squad. If it’s 95 or 100 minutes we will be in good shape to make sure we do what we need to.”
Positive energy:
“The energy at Maccabi is good and positive and it’s been that way since I got here. We are in a good race against Beer Sheva and we will have to do the maximum to compete with them for the rest of the season.”
