Head Coach Shota Arveladze addressed the media after his side’s 5:0 Derby victory on Matchday Five of the Ligat Ha’Al at the Netanya Stadium. Aside from the match the boss also discussed Eli Dasa, Dundalk, the fans, Tal Ben Chaim and the Derby’s second half:
Second half performance:
“I think we are still trying to play Maccabi football. If somebody fits, they fit quickly, but credit to all of the others. Micha from the right side had 18 assists, Haris had similar numbers. This team assist the strikers to have these numbers. It’s a great pleasure to be at this game, but it’s just a nice day and we have nothing to celebrate yet. All the credit goes to the boys with a busy week after a disaster. We had 20 available to play and we have to also give credit to the medical staff for that. The brain makes everyone stronger and not just the muscles. We fly in a couple of days and we wanted to give our fans a show.”
Shota’s team:
“If it was the last day of the season then maybe yes. But you know that everyone wants to do their best with ups and downs. Nothing is done yet. We still gave plenty to go.”
Tal Ben Chaim:
“Nothing is better than starring in your own country and I never had this in my life. The applause at home is the sweetest in my opinion. I would never stop anyone to go but I think he’s happy to be here. Right now it’s a good combination and I don’t want to guess what will be in the future, but he’s doing his best and will play the best that he can for us.”
About the fans:
“The fans give us a lot of energy, the applause and atmosphere is the biggest prize for each of us and I hope we can continue to have this for the rest of the season.”
Dundalk coming up on Thursday:
“I haven’t really seen or concentrated on our Europa League opponent because we had so many games in the last week. I’m familiar with Irish football but we can’t change much in our game, perhaps some strategy, but at the end of the day this is a European game and we have three days to think about it.”
Allowing more players on the active squad:
“Why is it allowed in the World Cup but not in regular leagues? That’s the question that’s being asked. I just have to think as to what is best for the team. The players respect the club and each other and as along as they do that we will respect them as well. We have good communication and I try to explain and some will disagree with me, but I can’t change the rules.”
Eli Dasa:
“I don’t see him down and I never mentioned the red card to him either privately or in a group. He’s a good clever boy and picked up the red card. He’s getting more experience and he’s a special player. He had a hard time at the beginning when he was out but has been playing well lately.”
