Jordi Cruyff, the Yellow & Blue Head Coach addressed the media at the prematch press conference ahead of the Matchday 8 contest away at Hapoel Beer Sheva on Monday night, 21:00:
“We’re not happy with the last game, but we have an important match tomorrow and we have to focus on that, fix the problems and look ahead.”
Status of injured players:
“We generally don’t want to give too much information about the injured players and we will see after training today who we will have available. I hope that we can recover all of the injured players as we have 3 games over the next 6 days. We are pushing the players to the limit.”
Beer Sheva in a similar situation:
“Beer Sheva is in a similar situation losing the same amount of points in the league and we have had long seasons over the past 3 years. In Europe we will have to see where we stand after next game.”
Importance of winning games:
“We are in a situation where we want to focus on winning our games by playing attacking football. But we will take what wins that we can get. Against Ashkelon we really could have really used those points and it would be a much different feel. Most importantly right now is to get the games out of the way, get the players back and grow throughout the season.”
About some of the matches over the last few seasons:
“They have a very good team and over the last few seasons we had possession but didn’t get a result. After 10-15 minutes we would be in control, open up and then they would score a goal.”
Sacrificing for the good of the team:
“We all feel that the potential is here, no one doubts that. But we have a 3 games in 6 days and it’s difficult. Some players will need to push themselves and sacrifice for the common goal. I think we have a good squad with a lot of potential.”
The league so far this campaign:
“It’s still a bit more open at the moment and on paper in theory the 3-4 teams that are expected to be up at the top, only one is there. All 3 have potential and have good squads, so I expect all of them to fight for the title.”
3 points for the win, but pride on the line:
“The championship won’t be won or lost tomorrow even though everyone likes to create that drama. There is a lot of pride and there is a lot to play for but it’s still just 3 points. It’s important and we both know that we have squads with potential and that will show as the season goes on.”
Looking back at the loss in Astana:
“The players know if we talk about it or not. To lose 4:0 is a painful defeat and touches your honor. You can play good or bad but we have to show character. Even if we don’t win we have to make it painful for them.”
