Sports Director Jordi Cruyff addressed the assembled media as the club prepares in earnest for their Ligat Ha’Al Matchday 17 contest against Hapoel Raanana after coming off of 3:0 State Cup win over Bnei Lod this past Saturday night. Cruyff began by taking about Raanana:

“It’s an opponent that we respect and has given us issues in the past. It’s one of the three teams that beat Maccabi at Bloomfield last season, so they must be respected.”

Is Maccabi still in the championship race?

“We have an obligation at Maccabi to work and win and the question is not really relevant to the situation.”

Oscar Scarione’s status:

“He’s training and back from a long injury. He played some minutes and fell again on the same injury and we will check today as to how he feels.”

Facing Raanana again in the Israel State Cup two weeks from now:

“The Cup is a different competition altogether and it’s a different type of vibe. But as you know we always focus on the next match which is the most important one.”

Avi Rikan talked about the Club’s style of play and return to the Starting XI:

“Last match I was in the Starting XI was against Hapoel Haifa before Bnei Lod, but I’ll be ready any time I’m called upon. I’m not surprised to be back in as I’m working hard and preparing myself which I’ll do today.”

Changes in the squad:

“There are always changes in football squads but we have to do the maximum with the personnel that we have and not focus on what’s going on off of the pitch. We will do what we have done in the past and perform as best as we can.”

Playing better:

“I agree we have to improve and begin to play better football. The win in the State Cup match will give us a bit of confidence and the fact that we scored three goals, is good as well.”

Style of play:

“We always want to play the same way and control the tempo of the contest. But we have to translate that control into goals. We know what we want to do when we come into every match. We play our way and we can take advantage by playing quick football and controlling the flow of the game. This way it will be a bit easier to score and move forward as well.”