Vladimir Ivic, the Yellow & Blue Head Coach looked ahead to Sunday night’s (20:30) clash against Hapoel Haifa at Sammy Ofer Stadium on Matchday 8 of the Israel Premier League Ligat Japanika:
“We are thinking about ourselves and our job is to improve and be ready for our game on Sunday night. This is not a simple opponent and over the past number of seasons we haven’t had good results at Sammy Ofer Stadium. Usually when there is a coaching change the players want to prove that they belong. It’s not good for us but this is normal in football. We will continue on our way and we will do everything to take the points.”
About the fan support:
“I don’t read the newspapers and websites so I don’t know about this. We have to work hard and show quality so the fans will enjoy. That’s our job in every match and we have to continue to improve, advance and I’m sure that this will convince the fans to continue to support us.”
The squad for Sunday’s match:
“We have a few issues and some are due to injuries. Tomorrow we will know who will be able to play.”
The fitness aspect compared to last season:
“It’s not right for me to talk about past seasons. At the beginning of this season we had many players who came back from being on loan with other clubs and we saw their quality. These players want to work hard and play. It’s difficult because there is no way that we can fine everyone a chance. I’m sure that there are players who can be on the pitch who are outside of the 18 players in the squad and this is something good for me. We have a long road ahead and I’m sure that everyone will have a chance to play and to show us their abilities.”
About the Under-19 team advancing to the second round of the UEFA Youth Champions League:
“It was a good game. Maccabi has good young players who work hard. This is something very positive for the future. I’ve watched a number of their games, but I think it’s too early for them to join us as I’m familiar with this age. In the past I worked with these ages and to help them be able to advance to the first team. They have plenty of preparation ahead of them and hard work to go. We are following their progress.”
