The Head Coach was pleased with his side’s play in the second half especially during the first 20 minutes: “We are working on our first half play,” while also looking ahead to Haifa: “The game will certainly be very interesting.”
Maccabi Tel Aviv defeated Maccabi Netanya 3:2 in an unforgettable match that saw the Yellow & Blue comeback from two deficits to take home the win. Head Coach Jordi Cruyff spoke about the club’s third league win in a row: “Its always difficult after a European match. Maccabi Netanya played very well today and I think we really needed three superb goals in order to win the game. The players showed character in the second half especially during the first 20 minutes.”
About the quality of play between the two halves:
“We have seen the stats that show that we score the majority of our goals in the second half and that means that we we are not playing how we expect to play on the first half and that’s something we are working on.”
On the rotation:
“We have been doing this for six seasons and that’s not something that will change.”
Nick Blackman’s first goal with Maccabi:
“I think that this was a great goal just like Omer Atzily’s. We know the skills of these two players. Both of them didn’t start in the match on Thursday against Slavia Prague and they were fresh for today’s game.”
Working together with Steve McClaren during the match:
“He has great experience and it’s something terrific for us. I know him for more than 20 years. If he has the tools and knowledge I’m happy to be able to use them.”
The Maccabi Haifa match next Sunday:
“I don’t think that the game against Haifa will be our biggest test up until now, but it’s certainly an important match. There will be plenty of more important games. I will have to see how best to use our squad. Two goals today were scored by players who didn’t start this past Thursday and I’m expecting a tough game. I’ve seen their previous matches and they are more comfortable playing against opponents that play open football and we play like that, so the game will certainly be very interesting.”
