The Yellow & Blue Head Coach Jordi Cruyff addressed the media at the post match press conference following his side’s 2:0 loss to Slavia Prague:
“We tried to play, but in European football you can’t give up any chances especially right before the half. Our Europa League competition has not been good. Sunday night’s match is most important when we play Hapoel Haifa in the league.”
Struggling to score:
“Lack of belief and we haven’t scored. We have had many shots on goal but we couldn’t score and that hurts the confidence. When you have a half chance you have to take it.”
Difficulties in Europe this season:
“This group was too difficult for us. We have had difficulties in making chances in the Europa League. You can’t compare the two competitions and we played a good team today. We had more possession in both games against Slavia Prague and we couldn’t finish our chances.”
Potential January signings:
“Our best signings are the players who will be coming back. Micha, Golasa and we will see when they get back. We have to improve many things.”
The Club has played many matches this season:
“Mental tiredness. I don’t think any other team in Europe has played as many matches as us. We have training Friday and Saturday and then we have a match on Sunday. That is most important.”
Playing the 4-3-3 formation:
“This is what gives is most stability and is something we can fall back on. In about 30% of the matches I have coached we have played the 3-4-3.”
Moving from Sports Director to Coach:
“Football is a challenge. When I took this step I knew it would be a challenge.”
Sunday’s match against Hapoel Haifa:
“We need to win. It’s an important game and we have to be strong and get the points. We need the points and we want to finish the first round with 29 points. The team has been playing well under a good coach in Nir Klinger. We have to put our level up and win well, not just win.”
