Jordi Cruyff, the Maccabi Tel Aviv Head Coach addressed the media prior to his side’s Matchday 22 contest against Hapoel Acre in Israel Premier League Ligat Ha’Al action:
“There was a moment when we were 7-8 points behind where we left points against teams that were lower than us in the ranking. When you are on the field you have to show that you are better and take the points. We don’t look at the rankings and standings, it’s not important.”
Acre causes teams problems including Beer Sheva:
“They made a tough game and a penalty decided it. When you fight and play against a team that is below you in the standings, they fight for everything and anything they can get is a plus. You have to find the right adrenaline and give everything, fight, win duels, win games and not think of anything else.”
The team is above all:
“The team is more important than any individual and their interests. I try to be as transparent as possible. When someone asks why they aren’t playing I try to answer them. I also was on the bench many games so I know how it feels. When I see Barak, Eliran, Atzily and others pushing their team and showing spirit, that’s the best for me. The dressing room is very positive and they help each other. Football players never agree and want to be in the Starting XI and there is personal ambition, everyone fights for themselves but when the team is winning, everyone is supporting each other.”
About Jose Rodriguez:
“I think he’s a really good player and when he was injured I felt it was a big loss. But we have players that are playing well and we are playing with 3 midfielders and not 4-5. He has to fight for it and destiny may go his way.”
Playing against a defensive team:
“It’s difficult to find the holes and paths to create and then it’s important to score a goal. I think we are ready for the game and we know how important it is. When we lose the ball we have to press quick. When we have that attitude we tend to get good results.”
Getting everyone minutes:
“Every game are vital points. Sometimes destiny decides the lineup and that happens because there are suspensions and injuries. We have a small squad and we have only a few players who are out of the squad and minutes will be more everyone. It’s all about Maccabi Tel Aviv.”
New player Gidi Kanuk’s status:
“He’s a little bit behind because it’s been awhile since he played an official game. We will see how things go in the next days and weeks.”
Sheran Yeini:
“Sheran is a player, when you need him he is always ready. There are games when players weren’t playing and he took injections and I respect a player who always puts the team before himself. He’s a true captain and a club man.”
Israel football decisions:
“As someone who has been here 6 years and not as the Maccabi coach, I say that if Israel wants to be more significant in Europe, but you don’t apply European rules. My question is do you want to go forward or backwards. I didn’t see the effect of the 6th foreigner on the National Team. You have to follow Europe and not go against it. There are a lot of pros or cons to every argument.”
