Jordi Cruyff, the Maccabi Tel Aviv Sports Director looked back at his side’s 1:0 Derby victory over Hapoel Tel Aviv at the Moshava Stadium on Matchday 18 of the Ligat Ha’Al. He spoke about the importance of the fans, the Starting XI and of course the game that was:

“It’s important in football that when you have a bad game to now which to win and that’s what can make me a little bit happy today. Performance was not good and we didn’t dictate that game. We got into a physical battle and we lost easy possessions which I was not happy about.”

Another 5:0 win?

“The professionals knew immediately that it will not happen. They came with a fighting spirit and a clear tactic and of course the goal helped us a little bit but not as much as it should. We should have played with character and personality without the ball but I don’t think the team showed enough character on the ball.”

Transfers:

“We’re working on a lot of things and when it comes, it comes. I am in close contact with the owner. We have players that also have interest abroad for them so we can’t do the squad too early and have a problem after.”

Tal Ben Chaim’s status:

“We gave no intention to sell him u less something crazy happens.”

Nosa Igeibor:

“It’s obvious there has been some happy moments and some less happy but in the end he was with his teammates where he should be. I’ve always been very disappointed as how he has been treated by both the media and the fans. The reality is that coaches who are working at other clubs now really loved him, so somebody is seeing it wrong. I always believed in him and in the last few seasons he was a very good player.”

Last match as a coach:

“I hope so. But if we announce something I have to be very close as the new coach will come in the middle of the season and he needs to get to know the players and the Israeli league. It’s a process that all if us will help out with.”

About Omri Ben Harush:

“I’ve been happy with his training intensity and he will ave a chance like everyone else.”

Same Starting XI as was against Raanana:

“I wasn’t sure about it but I believe in changing a few players as it keeps the group alert and everyone hopeful for minutes. But with Hapoel going through changes we wanted to keep things the same as they had a good game together. In my football principles I like a big squad and to try and use most of them.”

The importance of the fans:

“I want to thank our fans a lot because they stood with the agreement that we wanted their support with no violence or racist chants, they stood by it and we are incredibly happy. Without the fans we don’t win these games.”