The Yellow & Blue will host one of the biggest games on the Israeli football calendar when Maccabi Haifa visits the Netanya Stadium for the Israeli Classico on Matchday Seven of the Ligat Ha’Al on Monday night at 21:00. Maccabi will be coming into the game after defeating Alkmaar in Europa League action and will look to continue their winning ways. Captain Gal Alberman discussed tomorrow’s clash:
“It’s hard to tell what will happen. The fist few years I was with Maccabi it was hard for us to defeat Haifa. Tomorrow, we are facing a quality side that can cause us problems and we have to be very focused.”
Ups and downs:
“We are a team that is going through a process and we are still learning and improving. The match in Ireland was obviously something that we didn’t want to have happen after the Derby, but we can take a lot from that game and it’s a good lesson for all of us. We definitely gain from these experiences and it will strengthen us over the course of the season.”
Yossi Benayoun & Eyal Golasa:
“The two players are very much appreciated in our lockerroom and we hope that the crowd does as well. They have nothing to worry about as our fans will be behind them all the way. When they play when they are around the club on a day in and day out basis they are both contributing. I wasn’t with Yossi when he was with Haifa, but we all want to learn from his experiences as one of the great Israeli players of all time and one who can offer a tremendous amount to all of us.”
On seeing Coach Arveladze play:
“I saw him play and he made it to the highest levels, one that we can’t even imagine. It’s a big advantage for us and he can give us tips and ideas especially in the offensive side of things.”
Improving:
We are very careful with what we say and are discreet about what things need to be improved but we are always looking to get better. In the game in Holland we played certain points at a very high level and in general we want to take our game to the next level and be much more dominant.”
About the National Team:
“People that know me understand that once I make a decision, that’s it. I had a very intense and long period of time with the National Team and now is the time for younger players to pick up the baton and others who can play the position that I did.”
