Avi Rikan addressed the press following the Yellow & Blue’s 2:0 win over Bnei Yehuda on Matchday One of the Toto Cup. Number 22 can play numerous positions and he spoke about that as well as the various formations that the club can play and about the chance to get onto the pitch:
“We knew what to expect and we have a big squad. We wanted to play and we all enjoyed ourselves. We played well, scored two goals and we could have scored more while it was important that we kept a clean sheet.”
Advantage of playing a number of positions:
“It’s an advantage for me to be able to play a number of positions and today we played with 3 central defenders. It’s good for me, for the club and for the coach that I can play many positions on the pitch and I’ll play wherever I can he’ll out.”
Playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv:
“You have to adjust quickly and understand that this is Maccabi Tel Aviv where you are always expected to win. We all want to win and we did. We were able to get closer to the goal and playing together will help the youngsters gain confidence.”
Practicing the formation with three central defenders:
“We did prepare to play with three central defenders as the professional staff may want to change the system on the pitch in certain situations.”
Playing a system with p three central defenders:
“It’s not an easy system, but if you know how to play it then you can bring results as well. We have played it while I have been here and also other times before I got here.”
Feelings about beginning to new season:
“We had the same feelings last season as well when Eran Zahavi left. We always want to take home titles. We played in the Champions League group stages and the Europa League group stages last season and that was an accomplishment as well. We will do the maximum to be in the right place at the right time. There’s not a lot of time to sit back and relax.”
About Panionios:
“We knew that Panionios was a good team and they played well at the end of the season. We scored a goal but we have to be ready to play a full 90 minutes. We have to work hard and come home with the victory.”
