Vladimir Ivic, the Maccabi Tel Aviv Head Coach addressed the assembled media at the prematch press conference ahead of Thursday’s (20:30 Israel time) return leg against Pyunik from Armenia at the Netanya Stadium in the Third Qualifying Round of the Europa League:
“Our target from the first day was to improve the team and up until now we have played 6 matches, 5 in Europe and one in the Toto Cup. After each match we look back, review and discuss things to see what needs to be improved and what needs to be continued. We didn’t do well with some of our chances and passing game last match and we tried to fix that over the past 7-8 days. I am positive and believe in my players that it will be ok tomorrow.”
Creating chances and scoring:
“We are just at the beginning of the season and we have to create chances. If we don’t create chances then it would be a problems for me. When we create then the team works. Our attack begins with the keeper and the defending starts with the striker. We need to take advantage of the chances that we have. It’s just the beginning of the season and we have quality players. We will be able to fix it.”
Availability status of the players:
“All of the players are ok and can play tomorrow.”
About the strikers:
“I am happy with all of them as they work hard and are professional. They all try hard to be in the lineup and they are all positives guys. Every striker goes through a period of time when they can’t finish. Everyone in football understands that. I hope that they start to score as they are working hard. I am satisfied with all of them.”
