Jordi Cruyff, the Yellow & Blue Head Coach looked back at his squad’s 3:1 win against Beitar Jerusalem on Matchday 35 as well as the last season:
“I’m happy with the energy over the first 60 minutes and then we tired but they gave it all and it’s not easy to fight for second position when the objective was to fight for a Championship. I do appreciate that they wanted to give a good game for Barak Itzhaki and he deserves all the love he gets. We started off in a difficult decision but I felt I had to do it, but since then he’s been the most loyal people I’ve had at the club and I wish him the best in his job and he will grow to be a very good one. I’m happy with the performance and the love that I received at the club. Little by little it’s the moment to fly home.”
Looking back and looking ahead:
“I feel that we could have done something more. We weren’t regular enough and lost points against teams that we should have taken the points. The two times we took first position the pressure was on us and we weren’t able to win. We still lack somethings and if the club makes the right analysis it’s something that can be repaired and I’m quite sure Maccabi will be where they need to be. The stadium hasn’t helped us and you could feel it. All in all Maccabi has a good base for the future and in all my heart I hope that they do.”
Decision to become Head Coach:
“It’s about a long journey of learning, I took a risk and I could have also taken the easy choice and sit on the chair. The players knew me and the system and something about Israeli football after so many years and with the owner we thought that it was a good moment. He supported me from A to Z and he is supportive now as he knows that I’m a guy that takes challenges, gambles and a risk. It’s a process and it’s my responsibility as I put this group together. Some games you make tactical choices when you may be right or may be wrong. It’s part of my learning process. I’m super grateful for the six years that I’ve had from the coaches to the players and have given me everything and I appreciate that.”
Celebrating later on:
“I still think we have to focus and there is still work to do. We wanted to have a good performance. When the moment is right in September or October when the stadium is full and I’ll be a little disconnected it will be the right time. That will be a much more emotional time, when you want to win you have to be more focused.”
The next stop:
“I don’t know yet. I’m really in need for a some time without football and I’m longing for it. I don’t know if it will be months or weeks and I need the moment to analyze and see what I did both good and bad and to try to learn for it, when the batteries are charged up I’ll be ready for it.”
