Vladimir Ivic, the Maccabi Tel Aviv Head Coach addressed the assembled media at the pre-match press conference ahead of their Israel Premier League Matchday 22 clash at Bnei Sakhin on Monday, 20:30:
“It’s the second game between our two teams in a small period of time. It’s a totally different game than last week especially after yesterday’s results. When you play against the last place team away it’s a very difficult game and a tough game. We need to be 100% focused from the beginning to the end of the game. We want to win like any other game.”
More about the match:
“We have a big squad with a lot of players and I try to prepare the best team who will bring the best result. Generally, it’s not easy to beat a team two or three times in short period. Sakhnin has good players and have some new players that will give new blood for the team and they will do their best for their new team. They have a lot of good players.”
Change in tactics?
“We will see about tactics. We prepared our players for the game tomorrow without fans and it’s unusual. It’s not good for football. Everyone wants the fans to be in the stadium. It will be difficult for both teams and we will have to adapt. We will have to do our best to achieve the 3 points.”
Playing without fans:
“I have played many times without fans. Just like a coach and a player, it’s not good for anyone and no one wants this. We will see tomorrow as to how it will be without the fans, but the players want the fan support. Sakhnin has a lot of fans who support them. But we will know tomorrow who will adapt better to the situation.”
Squad status:
“Nikolic is sick and has a temperature. He will not be with us but he has been training with us over the past week. More or less the players are ready. We will be ready for tomorrow.”
