Head Coach Peter Bosz spoke to the media prior to the Yellow-and-Blue’s Israel State Cup match at Rishon Le’Zion in the Round of 16 tomorrow night. Bosz discussed the strategy he has been using in the matches he has coached so far, the new striker Orlando Sa and the importance of the upcoming game:
“We want to win the Cup and to do so you must win every game you play in the tournament. Last State Cup match wasn’t easy and we don’t expect tomorrow’s game to be any easier. For Rishon Le’Zion it will be a big game, to play against us and they will be very aggressive. We must be 100% focused on the task at hand.”
The status of the new Portuguese striker Orlando Sa:
“Orlando Sa won’t start tomorrow and I’m still not sure if he will play or even be in the squad. We will have to see after today’s training session as yesterday he trained but it was alone and not with the rest of the team.”
Thoughts on Sa’s acquisition:
“I’m happy that he is here and we need all of the good players that we can get. He is a goal scorer and a real #9 and I hope he will do well with us.”
Playing certain players together at the same time and what effect it will have on Eran Zahavi’s position:
“There are a lot of options and we have to see what is best for Maccabi. We will train together and see. What I do know is that good players can always play together.”
On the potential starting lineup for the Rishon Le’Zion match:
“Usually, I don’t make very many changes, but every situation is different and we have to see how fit the players are and who will be the correct personnel. We also looked at our opponent and we have to see what tactics we will use and make the decision as to who will play from there. The upcoming match against Beitar may also be a factor as how we plan ahead.”
Style of play:
“If the strikers don’t press well then the midfielders will have problems. If the midfielders don’t do it well then the defenders will have problems. We want to have a high pressing system. I showed some clips to the players where the midfielders came late to the ball and gave up some good chances on our defense.”
About Eli Dasa playing as a midfielder:
“We have a certain way of playing in Maccabi and I look for a specific type of player who can do certain roles. He is aggressive, very good and fast and those are qualities that you need in the midfield and for him it was new. In the future, playing him at this position may be a possibility.”
