Shota Arveladze, the Yellow & Blue’s Head Coach spoke about his side’s win in the opening match of the 2016/17 season. The Georgian boss focussed on Nosa Igiebor’s play, his first match at home and of course the game that was:
“It’s the really early stages and this is 8 weeks before the season starts which is difficult. On one hand it’s good to have official games but it’s still preseason mentality. We should have realized in the first 20 minutes that it was a real game. In the second half you could see what we were doing and we were doing it and we slowed it down in the last five minutes as it’s not easy to run in this weather. In general I am happy and it’s good to start with a win. We controlled the game and it was good after our ten day training camp.”
Nosa Igiebor’s performance:
“You see how much difference I can make? I knew he could make a big difference. He had a lot of chances last year. But today he was in the right place.”
About Carlos Garcia’s status:
“There is nothing I can say now. Anything can happen but there is nothing we can announce now.”
The second leg in Slovenia:
“We are not afraid and we are never afraid. We come out to play nice and attractive football. It’s important to concentrate. People who shake when they play football maybe should never play football. It’s nice to impress the people in the stands.”
His first match in front of the Maccabi crowd:
“It was a great experience for me. I felt how much the fans can give to the boys and after the game the fans were celebrating and I’m sure it will grow. The supporters never turn against their club and they are behind them for the full 90 minutes. It makes for a great atmosphere.”
Changes in the squad and working with Jordi Cruyff:
“Yes, we spoke and we plan some things to move and we will make right and good decisions and what is best for the club. We are looking for good players.”
On Yossi Benayoun:
“Everyone must worry about their minutes as we have 25 players and only 11 play. I’m not talking about Yossi but everyone has to show them quality and probably he will show it. He is doing good.”
Filipenko’s status:
“He just came back from a 4-5 week holiday but I don’t meek how soon. He probably needs more time to be fit.”
