The 35-year-old Maccabi skipper whose side has a one-point advantage in the league table, insisted that Haifa’s defeat to Hapoel Jerusalem in before the international break will have no significance. “The fact Haifa lost to Hapoel Jerusalem in the previous round will not have no effect on us nor will it effect them. We always focus on the match ahead of us and I believe they will come prepared as well. This season we are a different team, a lot more organized, have a clear game plan and know exactly what we want to do”.

On the rivalry between the two clubs and the growing tension between the two sets of fans, Yeini said: “At the end of the day, football is entertainment. I am fully aware of the rivalry between the two clubs and sets of fans as each side wishes to prove who is the biggest club in the land. It is a very important match and we will battle hard on the pitch, and even though I appreciate the banter between the fans it should still remain in good taste. I am sure this match will prove to be yet another spectacle”.