The Yellow & Blue Sports Director Jordi Cruyff presented Maccabi Tel Aviv’s brand new Head Coach and discussed the reasoning behind the choice of Lito Vidigal as the new boss and when the plan began to come into place:
“This was planned 5-6 weeks ago and it’s a clear signal that there was a plan in place. This was a tough decision, as Mitch and Jack are both here. We want him to have a smooth adaptation and we want to make sure that our results don’t suffer.”
The timing of bringing Vidigal:
“He was employed by a club and it took time. We also wanted to make sure that the team was back on track and we felt that it was a good moment to do it. There are things to fight for and it was the right time to make the move.”
First meeting:
“We met in Portugal 4-5 weeks ago and we knew he was the right man for the job. But he had important games and we had important matches including Haifa and Beer Sheva. We looked at the right time to make the move. He was the right fit and we didn’t want to just bring any coach just for the sake of bringing in someone. We wanted to bring the right person.”
On Vidigal’s qualities as a coach:
“I think he’s shown that with small teams with small budgets that he’s been successful. He is tough, demanding and demands discipline. There is no secret that Spain and Portugal are types of countries that can adapt well to the Israeli style of football.”
Hungry to work:
“We went for a profile of someone who is hungry to work. We have brought coaches who were not at a high stage and we looked for coaches that wanted to launch their careers and take a step up. If you look at Oscar and Pako they took steps up. The same is true with Paulo Sousa. We are a good platform for a coach that wants to work and compete. We felt that Lito was our preferred choice and the right choice for Maccabi.”
Negotiating his release:
“I have no problem as long as the communication is open and honest which it was with his club and it was a clean move. Peter Bosz was a good choice and he was undefeated in the league and is now at Ajax. When we sign someone we are always open with the club we are working with.”
Incoming staff:
“He brought his assistants to work together for the common goal of succeeding. But they will need the existing staff to help the club succeed. There is a group of people who will work together with a group that is already here.”
Why step down as coach with a high success rate:
“I didn’t have the success rate, it was the players and the club, I had a very small part. The situation is now good for us as we won the first quarterfinal Cup game and we are only five points from Beer Sheva. Right now every game is a final.”
Attending training sessions:
“Over the last couple of weeks I led the training but I won’t do that now. I’ll be around to advise and work together to see how to play each opponent.”
On the bench Saturday night:
“That’s not something we discussed. Initially that is not in the plan. He’s the boss and I’m here to assist in any way possible.”
