Former Maccabi legend, Nir Klinger came on the program to discuss what the club needs to do to succeed in Europa League action against Zenit:
“Maccabi is a good team, there’s no question about that, but they had a bit of a problem in the back and there were too many attacking players that clogged up the offense. Arveladze needs to even out the team a bit.”
Making adjustments:
“Against Zenit will have to make some adjustments against Zenit instead of two more defensive minded midfielders but three. When you play against a better opponent you must strengthen your midfield.”
The midfield:
“Maccabi has played for a long time with three strong midfielders and they win championship and were able to get to the Champions League that way. So there’s no doubt they can do it. When Maccabi has players that are responsible on both defense and offense the team is more even keeled and this is what I believe that they have to do against Zenit.”
About new recruit Vidar Kjartansson:
“He’s an excellent striker and I saw him play for Malmo. This past game he may have been a bit slow, but it’s probably due to his first match in Israel, the heat and getting used to his new environment. But you’re talking about a high level striker who can play well and he is definitely a terrific addition to Maccabi Tel Aviv.
More on the Yellow & Blue Europa League chances:
“Maccabi must get a result including a draw which would be good also. Zenit is the best team in the group and better than Alkmaar and Dundalk. They shouldn’t have a problem playing against Alkmaar, but Dundalk is a quality side that is even more dangerous away than at home. There’s no question that Maccabi is the better side, but you can’t count on taking 6 points from them.”
The result against Zenit on Thursday?
“Zenit is the better club but I’ll go for a 1:1 draw.”
Dor Hoffman from Yisrael Hayom joined the program to discuss the Yellow & Blue’s Thursday night opponent:
“Zenit is a Champions League quality side and is always battling for the Russian league title. But over the past couple of seasons Rostov has improved and they are now looking at third place which is good for a Europa League slot.”
Personnel:
“They have had a few players that have left to go to China and Spain, but they also have brought some new players in including Giuliano from Gremio and Slovakian Robert Mak. Axel Witsel almost went to Juventus but is still playing with Zenit and will be a threat.”
Zenit’s recent form:
“Zenit scores a lot of goals and won away at Arsenal Tula 5:0, but they are still a team that is still trying to find their identity. Maccabi can take advantage of the situation since they may be vulnerable even if Zenit’s budget is higher as long as they come and play.”
Head Coach Mircea Lucescu:
“He made Shakhtar Donetsk into a real empire and has come to Zenit to bring them back up to the top of the league. He has plenty of experience and knows exactly what he is doing. This is a club that will certainly take the Europa League seriously but it will be interesting to see what he does with his Starting XI as he may be focussing on the league and to try and get up to 1st or 2nd place which will send them to the Champions League next year.
Prediction for Thursday night:
“Zenit has an exactly squad and even if they bring in substitutions they will still be very strong. I think that this could be a close game and will end 2:2.”
Tal Ben Haim joined Lior Timor on Maccabi-Cast and began by discussing Sunday night’s contest against Beitar Jerusalem:
“There was a lot to think about after the game especially when we gave up a goal on the last play of the match. But we are slowly but surely focussing on Thursday night’s match against Zenit.”
Returning from injury:
“I keep feeling better game by game after coming back from injury. The first half we had some problems, but really played much better in the second half. Of course we were disappointed giving up a goal very late in the match but we have to look ahead and improve.”
Getting credit from Coach Shota Arveladze:
“The coach understood I had a very serious injury and the first few matches of the season I didn’t feel great and was slow with some pain, but over the last few games I’m feeling much better and I’m really pleased that the coach has faith in me.”
Battling for a position in the Starting XI:
“Maccabi had won a number of titles the last few years with some very good players, so I had to fight from my spot in the lineup to play. However, competition is always good and brings out the best in each and every one of us.”
Yellow & Blue in Europe:
“Maccabi Tel Aviv is a club that always wants to participate in European play whether it’s the Champions League or Europa League. Last season we played against team’s with much higher budgets than ours and they all had top level players. I hope that we will be able to play attractive football and take points against the teams in the Europa League this campaign.”
Advancing in Europa League play:
“As footballers we all have the goal to win and we all believe that we can advance. If we play well and we play our football then I believe that we can go to the Round of 32.”
About the squad:
“We have a very good, strong and healthy dressing room with a great bunch of guys. When you have a dominant player like Eran Zahavi who scored over 30 goals leave the Club then there’s no question that others on the team have to pick up the scoring slack from the midfielders to the strikers. Eran had some great years here and will go down in the history books on the Club.”
The defense:
“Our defense is a team effort as is our offense. We have to continue to improve and we all want to help get some clean sheets but everyone is looking to work hard and help out as each game goes by.”
What to expect from Maccabi on Thursday night:
“We want to play a good game and fight for every ball. We will do the maximum in order to send the fans home happy.”
