Current Red Bull Salzburg and former Maccabi striker Monas Dabbur came on board Maccabi-Cast, the Club’s Official Podcast hosted by Lior Timor and spoke about the Yellow & Blue’s upcoming Europa League Playoff Round opponent, SC Rheindorf Attach while also talking about his current club:
“I’m doing well and we just began our season by starting off on the right foot. We were eliminated from Champions League qualifying so that was upsetting, but we are looking forward as we prepare for our Europa League Playoff Round match.”
Salzburg’s contest last week against Altach:
“Altach is a very strong and aggressive side. They played very defensively against us and I expect that they will play the same way versus Maccabi. It will certainly not be an easy match for either Club but I believe that Maccabi will be able to advance to the Group Stages.”
What Maccabi will expect to see from Austrian side:
“If they play as they did against us and again I believe they will, then they will sit back and wait for counter attacks as they have some very fast players on the offensive side of the ball and Maccabi will have to pay special attention to them. Everyone will be responsible on the defensive side of the game and they all work hard. All in all they are a legitimate European club, physically strong and quick but I still think Maccabi is the stronger side.”
Playing the match in Innsbruck instead of Altach’s home stadium:
“It’s an advantage for Maccabi that the match will be in Innsbruck as their home stadium is a quite small and homey facility. It is very hard for clubs like Rapid or Austria Wien to go there and take points so it’s definitely in Maccabi’s favor that they won’t have to play there and they can play their type of football.”
Recommendations for Maccabi:
“I’m sure Jordi will prepare the club as best as possible and the only recommendation that I can make is to make sure not to make any mistakes that will allow them to go on a counterattack.”
More about Altach:
“There’s no question that Altach is a quality side. They advanced over Gent and that says a tremendous amount. Maccabi has to be focused and make sure that they don’t make any errors. We lost the ball 3-4 times that almost led to goals by them and they had a number of dangerous one on one opportunities as well.”
Club with no stars:
“They are a club that does not have any star players. They have a very fast striker and the best player against us was their left back who helped out on the attack and also held onto the ball. But I’m sure Maccabi is ready for anything that Altach is preparing and knows exactly where to watch out.”
Austrian expectations:
“After the draw I was asked about Maccabi and they themselves know that Maccabi are favorites. The media knows about Maccabi and football in Israel and are aware that they are a strong club. But now that Altach made it by Gent there are expectations for them as well.”
Final thoughts:
“I’m sure Maccabi can win the first leg in Austria while a draw with goals is also good for them. I believe that Maccabi and my club Salzburg will both advance. I’d be happy to meet Maccabi in the group stages.”
