Vladimir Ivic, the Yellow & Blue Head Coach was content with his squad’s performance in a 4:1 win over Hapoel Raanana on Matchday 3 of the Israel Premier League:

“We became more creative and had a better passing game in the second half. We tried to find space between the line of our opponent. After the second goal our job was easier but we need to play to the end, the 94’ and try to score as many goals as possible. We had a better attitude in the 2nd half and that’s why we played better.”

Every game is important:
“Every game is an important game and there are no easy games. We have to begin to prepare for the next game tomorrow and this is how we need to work going forward.” 

Giving 100%:
“It’s important that the players who play in front score and the assists are also important. This is something that I explain to the players every day and they understand that if they give 100% every game then we can deserve to win.”

On potential new players:
“We have a few days and we will see what will happen with the transfer market.”

Making changes in the squad:
“We change the team around a lot of times as we’ve had a number of games. I want to give the players a chance to show their quality and it’s easier for me now because I am more familiar with them.”

Battling in the 3 domestic competitions:
“We have three competitions and we have to fight for each one of them.”

The Yellow & Blue defeated Hapoel Raanana 4:1 at the Netanya Stadium on Matchday 3 of the Israel Premier League Ligat Japanika thanks to goals by Itay Shechter, Chico Ofoedu and a brace by Eliran Atar. Next Saturday night Maccabi Tel Aviv visits Maccabi Netanya on Matchday 4 as they will look to keep up their positive momentum in league play.

Head Coach Vladimir Ivic’s Starting XI included keeper Predrag Rajkovic, Eli Dasa, Sheran Yeini, Shahar Piven, Dan Glazer, Eyal Golasa, Ofir Davidzada, Dor Micha, Eliran Atar, Itay Shechter, Omer Atzily.

Available on the bench were keeper Haviv Ohayon, Chico Ofoedu, Eitan Tibi, Avi Rikan, Aaron Schoenfeld, Maor Kandil, Ruslan Barsky.

First Half
Maccabi opened the contest looking to control the ball but it was Raanana who had the first chance as Rajkovic blocked a free kick by Nemanja Nikolic. In the 7’ the Yellow & Blue had their first opportunity of the match, but Golasa’s attempt went over the bar. As Maccabi continued to press they found the back of the goal in the 16’ when a terrific through ball by Micha made its way to Shechter who slotted it home for a 1:0 lead.

Raanana looked to get back into the game in the 23’ when Maccabi lost the ball as Tal Ayala came in on Rajkovic but the keeper made the big save to keep the score as is. The Yellow & Blue continued to maintain possession for the balance of the half as Micha, Shechter and Atzily all had fine chances on goal but Raanana keeper Assaf Tzur was up to the task as the host’s took a 1:0 advantage into the break.

Second Half
Raanana had an opportunity to draw even in the 54’ but Kayes Ganem’s attempt missed the target while at the other end Golasa’s long range chance went over the goal. Coach Ivic made his first substitute in the 63’ as Ruslan Barsky replaced Atzily and saw his side double their advantage to 2:0.

Dasa broke down the right wing and sent a wonderful cross to Atar who made no mistake with the ball and put it behind Tzur. Rajko made another big save this time on a Ganem attempt in the 66’ as he looked to cut into the Maccabi lead, however, 3 minutes later the Yellow & Blue added their third goal of the contest. Golasa stole the ball and sent it to Micha who found Atar streaking in from the left side as #16 picked up his second goal of the match beating Tzur yet again for a 3:0 lead.

Ten minutes later a Raanana corner kick made its way into Rajkovic’s goal as the ball went off of Yeini for an own goal but they last word would be Maccabi’s as Ofoedu beat Tzur in the box to give the Yellow & Blue a 4:1 victory and the 3 points. Next Saturday night Maccabi will visit Maccabi Netanya on Matchday 4 of the Israel Premier League.

Omer Atzily, the Maccabi Tel Aviv winger addressed the assembled media the prematch press conference ahead of Saturday’s match against Hapoel Raanana (18:00) at the Netanya Stadium and began by looking ahead to the upcoming contest:

“We are going to come into the match on Saturday modest, hungry and ready to go in order to take the points.”

Battling for a place in the Starting XI:
“I think that the battle to get a spot in the Starting XI is nothing new and we have a number of quality players in attacking positions. We all give the maximum on the pitch and I will continue to work hard so it will help me as the season continues on.”

The National Team:
“If I continue to play well at Maccabi, I hope it will open some doors with the National Team and I believe that in the future I’ll have my opportunity to return.”

Playing under Head Coach Vladimir Ivic:
“We are adjusting to the new style and I’m sure we will do what we need to in order to make that happen.”

His play so far this season:
“I’m integrating well so far and although I haven’t scored yet I feel that I’m playing well and working hard.”

Last league match at Beer Sheva:
“The staff prepared us well and we all knew what we had to do. I believe that we played well and a draw at Turner Stadium is a decent result. I’m not here to look at Beer Sheva but I know that if we do what we need to, everything will be fine.”

Vladimir Ivic, the Yellow & Blue Head Coach is readying his side for a Matchday 3 Israel Premier League contest against Hapoel Raanana on Saturday (18:00) at the Netanya Stadium and began by addressing the situation with the players who were with the Israel National Team:

“We had 5-6 players with the National Team and it’s good that they were called up and played. I wish that even more players were with the National Team for the two matches. The second was a friendly and five of our players played at least 70 minutes while three played the full 90 minutes. I only wish the best results for the Israel National Team.”

More on the National Team:
“Having so many players with the National Team is normal for Maccabi and we worked with those who stayed here to get them into good shape. There are other players like Omer Atzily who could be a part of the National Team.”

The National Team giving up 3 goals in the friendly:
“This is a totally different system and another coach who is also a new coach. I hope that they will have good results in the upcoming matches and will advance past this round.”

Potential new recruits:
“We are working hard to bring a striker and we are in negotiations with some but we haven’t been able to come to an agreement yet. We will see over the next few days.”

About the Israeli footballer not being up to par with the rest of the world:
“I don’t think so and I believe that Israel has many players that play abroad. I’m sure there are other players in Israel that can also play in other leagues abroad as well.”

Saturday’s upcoming match against Hapoel Raanana:
“It’s one of the most important games. This kind of game can be dangerous for teams like us who have big goals and want to take the championship. We have to concentrate and we have worked with the players who stayed in Israel the past couple of weeks. Over the next few two days we can work the players who came back from international duty.”

Injury status of Jair Amador and Enric Saborit:
“Jair Amador will be back and is ok and last week he took part in normal training sessions. We had some examinations done on Enric Saborit as he took part in some very intense training sessions. We have to see if he will be ready for this game and if not then he will be fine for the next one.”

The return of Ofir Davidzada:
“We are happy that he is with us and he is a quality player. He was here last year and I am familiar with him. I’m content that we now have two players for each position. He is ready and can be one of the players in the Starting XI.”