Maccabi Tel Aviv will head to Kiryat Shemona on Sunday at 20:15 for an Israel Premier League Ligat Japanika Matchday 10 clash and the Head Coach Vladimir Ivic spoke about the goals ahead of the contest:
“The goal is to take 3 points. I agree that it will be a difficult match against the third place team. They have given up only 5 goals and that says that they are a serious team. The pitch may be smaller than usual and we are expecting a tough match and we’ve been preparing all week for this. We want to finish this part of the season with a win.”
The situation on the table:
“I said after last match that I don’t know of a team who won the title in November. We have to work hard and even harder. It’s more difficult to stay where we are on the table than to actually get there. Everyone wants to defeat you when you’re in first place and we have to first concentrate on ourselves and that is our way. There is no other way.”
Players called up for the National Team:
“This is great for us that we have so many players on the National Team and that says they appreciate us. We’re all proud. Perhaps the break will be more difficult for us as we can’t go out to a short training camp because we have a short squad. I’ve said many times that I’m happy that we have players on the National Team and that means they are working hard and that they deserve to be in the squad amongst the best players in the country.”
Impression of the league:
“There are many good teams and clubs that play disciplined football. I don’t know what will be in the future but until now this is not a weak league. There are players here who can play in bigger leagues and my opinion so far is good. Every country wants to improve their league and I think that Israel is on the right track.”
Competition in the squad:
“It’s good for any coach that they have many players in good shape. I agree that sometimes it creates a headache to decide who will be in the squad or the Starting XI and I have this headache every week. I’m happy how the players battle for a spot and that’s the way we will be able to keep our position on the table.”
Squad status:
“Eitan Tibi and Ofir Davidzada aren’t fit for the upcoming match and I hope that they will be back soon with us.”
