Maccabi Tel Aviv will face Ferencvaros from Budapest, Hungary in the second leg of Europa League First Round qualifying on Thursday night at 20:00 at the Netanya Stadium. Veteran midfielder Dor Micha looked ahead to the match and spoke about its importance:
“We are all aware of the importance of tomorrow’s match. We all know how critical it is for the Club that we continue to succeed in Europe this season. I’m happy that we returned with a good result and together with our supporters the second leg will be a totally different story. We need the fans together with us and they have proved in the past that they can create an amazing atmosphere in Netanya and we need that in every match.”
The quality of Maccabi’s squad:
“Expectations are always good to have. There are many players at Maccabi that can perform and I am part of that puzzle. I am here to do what I can to help the Club.
Relationship with the new coaching staff:
“Every coach has their own methodology and their own differences. After a number of years we have moved on and we have a good relationship with the new coaches. We understand the demands of the new coach and we always change formations depending on the opponent.”
Optimism about the new campaign:
“I really believe in this squad and last year we did as well. The new players who have arrived have made me very optimistic about this coming campaign.”
The addition of Itay Shechter, Enric Saborit and Jair Amador:
“We all know what Shechter can do and how he has become part of the team. The two Spanish players are also acclimating well and we can see how they will be an important part of this club,
About the first leg against Ferencvaros:
“I think that the match was pretty even and they are a good team. They had the home crowd advantage and I believe that our supporters will be behind us for the return leg.”
Belief in being able to win:
“I believe that every season and I thought that we would be able to win last year. We have a good squad here and I believe that we have the tools to go all the way this season. Over the past few years there have been times when we played well and then there were also times when we didn’t play well and lost points. The goal is to make sure we get to the money time in the best shape possible.”
Fighting for a place in the squad:
“The players know that this is Maccabi Tel Aviv and that everyone has to fight for a place in the squad. There are plenty of good players who can come off of the bench at any time.”
Goal of reaching the group stages:
“Getting to the group stages is one of our goals and I hope that we will reach that once again as it has become a tradition.”
