Jordi Cruyff, the Yellow & Blue Head Coach looked back at the disappointing 2:1 loss to Hapoel Beer Sheva on Matchday 8 of the Israel Premier League Ligat Ha’Al:
“It’s painful and it’s unacceptable that against ten players we lose a lot of balls and can’t create chances. This is the reality of today and of the last game. We are in an uncomfortable situation right now and we have a number of games coming up. We have to change our mentality and attack to win.”
Disappointment:
“For 5-6 years we have played the same way and this is the same pattern and way to win games. Today was a very difficult game if you like Maccabi, are a player or worker in the club. When you go down you get right back up. I apologize to the people that came here when we were up a man and you think that you will win and you don’t. It’s very disappointing. They played organized and strong and Beer Sheva knew what to do.”
Show character:
“We have to improve. We have to be honest and work hard. We have to put the mirror to ourselves and show a lot more character.”
Giving Beer Sheva hope:
“After the red card we were playing inoffensive and unaggressive. We were losing a lot of balls in the midfield and we gave them hope that they could do something.”
No hiding:
“Normally pride comes when you are the lowest you can be. Ever though we are unhappy with the past few games we are in a situation that if we have a good run for the next few games we can do something in the league. It comes from the inside and you have to have pride and respect for your club, the fans and for yourself. We have a tough week coming up and we deserve it. There’s no hiding anymore.”
Heart and soul with Maccabi:
“From the conversations we’ve had over the past few weeks, the word that comes up is character and today with 10 men against 11 we should have had more. I feel that I have the backing and I have a clean relationship with Jack and Mitch. My heart and soul are in this team and if I ever feel that it’s me I will be a gentlemen about these things. We have a lot of players missing and it’s clear that we haven’t reached the full potential of the squad.”
