Maccabi opened up the 2017/18 Israel Premier League Ligat Ha’Al Season with a 3:0 loss to Beitar Jerusalem. The Yellow & Blue Head Coach Jordi Cruyff summed up the match from his point of view:
“We got punished. They were good in transition and in counter attacks and we lost a lot of balls in the first 30 minutes. They made us play the way they wanted us to play. They have a specific way to play and when they are winning they play a certain way. We lost a lot of balls and they played in transition. They smelled blood and they took advantage of that.”
More on the match:
“The first 15 minute we had minutes we held and passed the ball. The first time they countered they scored a goal. We put out the best lineup for the game as we could. Some players have injuries and we have another game and an important game on Thursday against Altach.”
Looking ahead:
“When you lose its sometimes better to lose clearly and then there are no excuses and you move on. We have a very important game in 4 days and if we aren’t aggressive enough then we will have problems.”
Losing as a head coach compared to sports director:
“It’s always hard to lose. As a sports director I didn’t have any easier games than as a coach. Maccabi lost today and either way as a coach or sports director you’re always a part of it.”
About Omer Atzili:
“He overtired. I think when you want to take to much responsibility it also doesn’t always help.”
Improving over time:
“I think we will improve with time. We have a squad and at the moment it’s not full and not fully fit. We will find the right balance.”
New recruits:
“They need some time to adjust. Battocchio has gotten minutes but Susic not yet. You really want to pick the right moments and there are plenty of more games.”
