Tel Ben Haim, Maccabi’s number 26 spoke about the Europa League playoff round second leg match this coming Thursday night in Split at 20:30 local time. The defender talked about returning from injury, preparation and the match itself:

“Maccabi wants to win the upcoming match and we won last match 2:1. We know that it will be a tough game but we have enough experienced players who have played in this type of atmosphere and situation who know what to do.”

Giving up goals:

“I don’t think we’ve given up a goal in every game, half of the matches we didn’t give it a goal I believe, but we know it’s a tough away match and we will have to be cautious but I think that we will be fine at the end of the day.”

Game preparation:

“We prepare for every game the same way but when it comes to a critical match we know what to do just as we did when we advanced to the Champions League last season. We are playing a tough opponent and we will do our best.”

Returning from injury:

“I was out for a few months and it was the first time that this has ever happened to me but thankfully I am now getting back into shape.”

Playing together with Benayoun:

“Yossi was in Liverpool and I was in Chelsea so the journalists liked to make a big deal about it, but I can tell you we have a terrific relationship.”

The loss of Eran Zahavi:

“Eran was a very important player, but now I his being here is in the past. We are trying to put together a team that will work together and not rely on just one player but all of us together as a unit.”

The Captain’s armband:

“I am at the stage of my career where it doesn’t really interest me and it’s great that the younger players are taking the responsibility like Dor Micha and it gives them some very good experience. I was captain at Maccabi 12 years ago, for the Israel National team and in England as a second captain. The result on Thursday is most important to all of us right now.

Beer Sheva’s current form:

“We aren’t looking at Beer Sheva right now but I’m sure that both sides are wishing each other luck in European competition.”