Jordi Cruyff, the Yellow & Blue’s boss addressed the media at the Club’s opening press conference at Kiryat Shalom prior to tomorrow’s match against KF Tirana of Albania in the first round of Europa League qualifying at the Netanya Stadium. The Head Coach spoke about an array of subjects from his role to the status of the Club:
“It’s the same situation and the way we are used to it. We will try to continue the same way as we have in years past.”
On becoming coach:
“The decision was following the Cup final after a discussion with the owner Mitch Goldhar. We discussed what went on the last few seasons and decided that this was a good direction to go. I was Sports Director for 5 years and it was now the right moment to go in this direction. We looked at where we came from and where we were now, we both felt comfortable with it and we went for it.”
Intensity and hunger of the players:
“I don’t analyze everything after losing two cup titles. We did something good to get there, but we came up short. I want to see the players with intensity, desire and the hunger to be back to where we want to be.”
The new role:
“My focus will be more on the field. The CEO will be more involved in player negotiations which will be better. It’s not like I’m starting to work in a new country, so I have an idea as to what players would be a good fit for Maccabi.”
Interest from Barcelona:
“I wanted to be a coach. Barcelona didn’t offer me to be the coach. This was the decision that was made with the owner and I’m 100% on this job and I’m going to go for it. I don’t feel that it was the correct moment for me in January and we now had a longer preparation time so it was a better time to step in.”
Knowledge of the Israeli league:
“If I was new I probably wouldn’t know the players, league or opponents and the types of players that are needed to win titles. Because I’ve been here I know what we need. My focus will be on the training field and more than 80% of the players will be here from last year.”
Match against Tirana:
“It’s the first game with a very complicated type of preparation. It’s very difficult that the players have played for 11.5 months and starting so early was a punishment for not winning the cup. The priority is to get ready and concentrate on our game.”
Tal Ben Chaim leaving Maccabi:
“We will have to find a way to manage. We lost 48 goals from Eran Zahavi and Tal Ben Chaim had an option to leave and did. That’s why we didn’t fill up the 6 foreign spots. Tal was a special player, a different player and now we will have to find a way to fill that void.”
Transfer market:
“We expect some movement. It’s very early in the transfer market and lucky enough we don’t have 6 foreigners since Tal left, so we will have more options to bring in players.”
About youngster Yonatan Cohen:
“I think that the process that he had was a good decision for him to play at Beitar Tel Aviv/Ramle and he learnt how to battle. Last year his loan with Bnei Yehuda was very good. So far he’s made a very good impression.”
Dor Peretz:
“Dor Peretz is player who has the Maccabi Tel Aviv DNA and has been fighting for his place. Some players played seven games which is the most in Europe. It’s hard to demand the players to play and take part in every game but we will have a full squad.”
On what his father Johan Cruyff would have thought about him coaching:
“I think he would answer the same as he did 5 years ago when I came to Maccabi Tel Aviv, which was to follow your instincts and everything will be ok. We spoke many times about coaching.”
Sheran Yeini playing as a left back last season:
“We have a few players who can compete at this position. The plan wasn’t for Sheran to play as a left back for 5 months but he came on for an injured player, had a good defensive record and can play well in every position that he is in, when he can give stability than it’s very comfortable.”
About Gal Alberman and the defensive midfield position:
“We were very happy with Gal Alberman who played more than fifty games and was amazing for us.”
Owner Mitch Goldhar’s involvement:
“His involvement has always been strong with the club and he sees all the games, that has never changed in the five years that I’ve known him. Even if he is not here, he is always present.”
Plans:
“In football you never know anything for sure. The plan is not to sell, but in football you never know what happens.”
Final thoughts on tomorrow’s match against Tirana:
“The only focus we have is for tomorrow, our first official match and we won’t underestimate our opponent.”
