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Jordi Cruyff, the Yellow & Blue Head Coach addressed the media prior to the final practice before tomorrow night’s match against Panionios in Europa League third round qualifying. The boss discussed the player market, playing Schoenfeld and Vidar together and about the opponent:


“The Greek league is decent and their coefficient shows that as does the national team. We can’t show that we are favorites. We have to play this game as seriously as we can and show our best. I do think that the team is improving and we will for sure give 100%.”

Injury update:
“Micha hasn’t played a single minute this season and we are missing a few players. You will see who is in the squad tomorrow.”

Chance that Cristian Battocchio will feature in the Starting XI:
“Normally you would think that it’s too early, but he played well and we will see.”

Iranian players not with Panionios in Israel:
“It’s not a problem that I have to suffer with. I don’t know how they manage these situations and I am not into politics at least not yet. But I remember against Basel there was a similar situation and in the end the player played and he was their their best player.”

Playing both Aaron Schoenfeld and Vidar Kjartansson together:
“I think it will happen more often this season. Every game is different and I believe in a rotation. If you have a squad of twenty some players, I will use them. Some games we will need the strength of both of them together and other games not. But you will see them together for sure.”

The player market:
“The club is trying hard and I have no complaints about what we are putting on the table. Sometimes it just takes time as we are looking for certain profiles. We need them for not only next round but for years. I know which players we are trying to get. We all wish that it will go quicker and faster but most important is to get the right players.”

Finding quality players:
“Clubs don’t like to lose good players and we are trying to find good players. The market is a bit slow but it will begin to pick up. Our intention is to buy players.”

About Yuval Shpungin:
“The fact that he was the first player we renewed shows how much we value and appreciate him. Sometimes he has had a bit of bad luck. But I am quite sure Yuval will get his games this year.”