Maccabi Tel Aviv will attempt to qualify for European competition Group Stages for the 3rd straight season on Thursday night and ahead of the Club’s Europa League Playoff Round 2nd leg tie against Altach, the Head Coach Jordi Cruyff addressed the media at the prematch press conference:
“After 7 games some of them very difficult, this is the moment where it all counts. We have 90 minutes to reach our target.”
About Altach:
“They played good football, organized and they play from behind. It will be a difficult game.”
The appointment of Steve McClaren:
“We have very good relations and I don’t think that Mitch would put someone on the coaching staff if I didn’t want that. I played under Steve, mostly as a substitute and he had a lot of good energy. I wanted to see how I stood after a month as coach and we looked for a certain profile. Steve has always been in contact and we were in contact in the past when we had a coach opening. There will be more people that will be added that haven’t been announced yet.”
More about McClaren:
“Steve has done so much in football. My father was close to Koeman and Laudrup and others where he had a bond. In my case it’s the same, we have a good bond and I don’t see this is as strange situation. I think he’s very good on the field and has very good enthusiasm and apart from that he has a tremendous amount of experience.”
Building a coaching staff:
“I don’t remember a coach that didn’t have a staff. It’s not about someone being bigger but giving Maccabi what we need. It’s always good to have someone around that can help out. Being in a big club as a player doesn’t mean that you are a good coach. It’s two different jobs. He was England National Team Coach and he was under Alex Ferguson. I feel that if I am surrounded by excellent staff then that’s great. I think that this is an amazing addition to the staff.”
Strengthening the club:
“McClaren is helping and it’s part of the project to strengthen the club. The owner agreed and the CEO agreed, it’s a great move. In football you don’t have egos. People on the outside don’t see what goes on inside. Everyone looks to make the club better, that is the goal. I am happy and the club is happy. I’m sure that this will make a good impact with the players.”
Players being added to the club:
“Blackman said that we had been in contact 3-4 years ago so just that we have someone from Britain in Steve we will bring another British player. Just as Dani is here we haven’t brought any players from Spain.”
Looking back to the Beitar match:
“It’s better to have a slap in the face on Sunday than tomorrow which will have consequences of not achieving a target. There were many circumstances that came together. We weren’t dangerous enough and we didn’t win our duels. It’s not the fault of one player or another. As coach I take responsibility. When you are losing 2:0 after 20 minutes then you know it will be a tough game.”
About future signings:
“All I know is that we have a game tomorrow.”
Involving the new players:
“When we feel that they are adapted to the weather and training style. We will have a break where they can adapt much better.”
