Avi Rikan, the Yellow-and-Blue’s midfielder is getting for the Israeli Classico match on Sunday January 10th, 20:55 at Bloomfield Stadium against Maccabi Haifa. Number 22 joined Maccabi this past summer from Zurich and reflected on the last match against the Greens, looked ahead to this game at home and of course welcomed the new coach to the club:

“We still have a few days until the match and we will continue to get to know each other, learn what the new coach expects from us and do it as quickly as possible prior to the match on Sunday.”

How does it feel to have a new coach at this point of the season?

“We put our feelings to the side as we are professionals. What interests us is getting into the swing of things and working hard, that’s what we care about most right now. We’ll get ready for the upcoming match and find out exactly what the coach’s expectations are for us.”

What effect has this had on the players?

“Of course everyone wants to prove that they can play and the coach has very little time to get to know us over the next few days prior to the game. We will all go over what we need to and get ready the best that we can. There’s a real will to want to have our training sessions at the highest possible level and we’re working very hard. We’re starting all over again.”

Looking ahead to the Maccabi Haifa Israeli Classico match on Sunday:

“Maccabi Haifa is a big team and always a difficult opponent. Every time Maccabi Tel Aviv and Maccabi Haifa play there are a lot of expectations. The expectations are high for the quality of the match and of course to win the game. We will do all that is necessary to make sure we win.”

Playing at Bloomfield:

“I’m sure Bloomfield will be totally packed with Yellow-and-Blue supporters on Sunday and that the fans will be behind us. We will do everything in our power to win the match, make sure that everyone leaves happy and that we take the points. That’s what is most important.”

About the previous match against Haifa:

“We won last match at Sammy Ofer but it wasn’t an easy game. This time at Blomfield I’m sure we will be more dominant and also control the flow of the match. If we get an early goal then everyone will be happy and if not, we will work hard to make sure that we score.”