Jordi Cruyff, the Yellow & Blue Sports Director discussed the victory against Beer Sheva on Matchday 21 of the Ligat Ha’Al at the Netanya Stadium. He spoke about the risk of stepping in as coach, defender Tal Ben Haim and the match itself:
“I think the team was getting tired with some players with muscular issues. They have a good team and pressed us a lot. If we scored to make it 2:0 before halftime the game would look totally different. We had to protect or goal in the second half and that’s what we did, we played a wall and I don’t recall that Beer Sheva had any clear chance.”
Matching up:
“If Melikson wasn’t sick they would have had 4 offensive players and we wanted to match them. We had good energy and most importantly was that we take the three points.”
How to win:
“On one side it’s important to know how to win these games when you have the lead. We had the organization that we needed. The second half the players were tired after the first half when we played very hard. Then you have to make a sure you find a way to win, which we did.”
Defender Tal Ben Haim:
“Yes, I think that we knew that Filipenka wasn’t going to be fit for the game and we had a few options and we used Tal in the position. It would have been hard to put a new player in that spot right away. I never offered anyone to any team. Every player has a chance to fight for his position and Tal did that and played very well.”
Staying on as coach:
“No, I don’t think that it’s a definite decision. Right now is not the time to bring a new coach because of the Beer Sheva game and important games against Petach Tikva. I want to thank the owner for the new players and we have many options now once they get into the system.”
What type of coach:
“We need to bring someone that has a certain prototype and nationality and pinpoint the right person and find the right timing which right now is not. We sort of know who we want and what type of coach we want but again it’s timing. When the new players get into the system and a new coach will come then it will also be better for him.”
Poor play under Shota Arveladze:
“The players now stepped up, and I really don’t think it was a coaching issue. The points we lost against the opponents we lost to was something more inside. Everyone can see it now that the players are much more into it and they are working hard, when you work hard you also get lucky.”
Was stepping in as coach a risk:
“I think it was a big risk and there was more to lose than to win. I believe in this squad and I believe in the players and I stepped in to take responsibility of the players. I’m not a daily coach type but I know what types of players to play and what to do.”
