Sheran Yeini, the Yellow & Blue Captain discussed the upcoming match against Tirana in the first round of Europa League qualifying at the season opening press conference. Number 13 also spoke about the goals for the season, training camp and winger Tal Ben Chaim leaving for Sparta Prague:
About Tal Ben Chaim’s departure from the Club:
“A good friend left us. He was an important player for us and was a good teammate. Just like others who left us he will also be missed.”
Training camp:
“We worked hard and it was good to meet some young players and those who were loaned who have potential and character. They wanted to prove themselves and I spoke to many of them and I see a bright future for the club in that area.”
On the position he will be playing this season:
“I will play any position that the club wants me to and whatever the club would like me to do, I will. Once I begin playing a position I adapt to it and then try to improve as much as possible in that role. It’s a challenge and it fun to do this at this point in my career. It’s great to be able to learn new things.”
Being an assistant coach on the pitch:
“Jordi and I have a very good relationship and all I want to do is help advance the goals of the club. We have a great assistant coach and I’m not looking to take his job.”
Home grown players breaking into the club:
“It’s hard for players who have been in the Maccabi system to be part of the team when we are always battling for the title. I really hope that they will be a part of the club and be a part of the important future at Maccabi.”
About Tirana:
“As a footballer, I don’t underestimate any opponent that may look weaker on paper. If we do that, we could lose. We come into every match ready to go as best as we can be after two friendlies. We will take this match with all seriousness. I remember the match in Santa Coloma after a very long training camp.”
Goals for the coming season:
“The goal is to fight for all of the titles and advance to Europe. We will battle for it all. Every season there are favorites to win, favorites to be relegated and we were favorites to win also. But I learnt not to deal with these things and just play the best that we can. Kiryat Shemona made some good additions, Beer Sheva is good, Haifa as well as Jerusalem will also be dangerous.”
