Shota Arveladze, the Yellow & Blue’s boss was present at the prematch press conference for tomorrow’s crucial Europa League Matchday Four encounter against AZ Alkmaar of Holland. The head coach discussed Thursday’s game, pressure, the defense and the Club’s recent run and if it has had an effect on the players:
“I don’t think so, if you look at the games we played, not. Of course the results can effect the mood and confidence but you have all seen how we played. We also did win the Toto Cup game. It doesn’t help at this time to lose but we know what to do and how to do it and we will continue to try and do our best.”
The defense:
“I have some questions marks as to how we play our defense. We need 11 players to defend and not just the defensive ones. We will work on it even harder than what we have done in the past. Over the games we have played we have done a good job but we also have to give credit to the opponents.”
About Tal Ben Chaim:
“We always give credit to our team and the players who can change a game and who work hard. We need 11 and not just one. We work together as a team. The relationship is good between the Maccabi coach and the best player. He is a great player and he wants to show that. But he’s a human being as well, sometimes we all have a bad day. If my words haven’t convinced anyone then ask him. We are all on the same page.”
Many matches:
“We have a really hard schedule. When most teams in the league have played only ten games we have played 35. Plus we have guys that play on their National Teams and they can’t get the rest and recovery that they need. Rotation is normal but within the rotation even if a player hasn’t played in the last three games he may not be fit. Players also have ups and downs. We see the players everyday and we check these things all the time even if it’s midnight. How they sleep, how they act and them we make a decision, right or wrong. Before the match the decision is always right.”
Pressure:
“There’s always pressure, league games, qualifying matches, Europa league, Toto Cup. There’s always pressure. This business is all about pressure.
Key game tomorrow:
“I think so. I believe that they will play the classic system that they have always done. I love the way that Alkmaar play, touch football. If you are not on top of them they can destroy anyone. Haris and I have both been there and have played there as well. At the end of the day, it’s a new game and a new challenge. We need to show what we can do. We always come out to play to be number one and to show who and what Maccabi Tel Aviv is.
