Vladimir Ivic, the Maccabi Tel Aviv Head Coach addressed the assembled media ahead of Tuesday night’s second leg second round Champions League clash against Cluj from Romania at the Netanya Stadium at 20:00:
“This is the second game and we have a one goal deficit. We are now at home and we want to play in the next stage. We have to score at least two goals and it won’t be easy. Cluj has been the Romanian champs the past two seasons and they have a quality team and many foreigners. Remember they had played already 4-5 Official matches and last match was just our first. They only had one shot on target and they scored. We have to be concentrated for 95 minutes and not give the opponent any chances. We know that we can win and maybe we didn’t create a lot last match, however, we had more chances than the opponent. The second game will be different and the players know what we ask of them. Playing in front of our fans will be a big help.” 
Getting a good result:
“These are the players who are with Maccabi at this moment and they will show that they are the best players in Israel and give their best to get a good result. I am responsible to make sure that there is no negative pressure and that’s my job.”
Playing both sides of the ball:
“I believe we can score 3 goals. We have to prepare to play this game on both the attack and the defensive side. We know set pieces are special for the team but a small mistake can make us pay. We have to be positive and fight for every ball and give 100%. I’m sure our fans will be there and support us.”
Team:
“We are a team and we work like a team. That’s from my first day until my last. I will never point out one player especially in front of the media. Whatever I have to tell the player I tell them and sometimes it’s face to face and sometimes it’s in front of the players. But this season I will not speak about the players individually.”
Champions League:
“This is the biggest competition for whoever works in European football. The Champions League is something special and we all give our maximum. We will do it as we know how to do it. I hope tomorrow the players will play the way they know how to play and focus for 95+ minutes the result will be what we need it to be.”
Last year’s match against Sarpsborg:
“We watched this game a few days ago with the staff. When we saw the penalty it was a big headache again and it’s one in a hundred chance. Sometimes it happens to help you and sometimes to hinder. There are mistakes as well. Some decisions are 50/50 and the referees always do the best. But I want to focus on the game and this is now a new year and new competition and we want to be in the next stage of the Champions League. We will do the best that we can to do just that.”
