Category: News

Kjartansson: “We have some great players who can give me chances to score”

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Vidar Kjratansson, the Maccabi Tel Aviv striker puts fear into every opposing keeper due to his scoring prowess. Against Bnei Sakhnin, the Icelander put home another pair of goals to help the Yellow & Blue to victory:

“It was a really tough game. In the first half we had big problems and they had good chances on the counterattacks. We had a tough time, but in the second half we had more chances and then when we scored the game opened up and we had more chances to score the second goal. The fans gave us a lot of support and we took it from there. The second half was great.”

Season just getting started:
“I trained well in the preseason and we have some great players who can give me chances to score. The season is just getting started and there are a lot of games left.”

Cruyff: “Game by game and week by week the players will understand themselves better”

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Jordi Cruyff was happy to take home the win and 3-points against Bnei Sakhnin thanks to a pair of goals by his Icelandic striker Vidar Kjartansson. The Maccabi boss also spoke about Eliran Atar’s return and what he though about his squad’s play:

“We can be very happy with the 3 points but we gave Sakhnin a lot of chances to come near the goal and to shoot. I don’t think we controlled the tempo the way we wanted to even when it was 1:0 and even 2:0.”

Melding the squad together:
“I thought everyone was doing their work and game by game, week by week the players will understand themselves better.”

New recruits:
“Yes, absolutely. I’m happy with the players. I will change them around all the time. What is the sense of having so many players if you don’t use them. They played many games last season some over 60 when you are including national team games.”

Style of play:
“We have good weapons and different types of weapons including players in the midfield and on the attack. We can control the tempo of the game and perhaps not score quickly but find the right rhythm and make the right pass. We don’t want to lose the ball in the midfield.”

Side good enough to win the league title:
“We will know that in 2018.”

Eliran Atar’s return:
“I think Eliran is now more of a team player. He matured and he is a bit older. He is a different player from five years ago and he has a nose for the goal and is always a danger.”

On Slavia Prague being concerned about Maccabi:
“I don’t think they are worried and neither are we. We will focus on ourselves.”

Vidar x 2: Maccabi defeats Sakhnin 2:0. Watch

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The Yellow & Blue defeated Bnei Sakhnin thanks to a pair of Vidar Kjartansson second half goals to take the 3-points and the victory. Eliran Atar made his official return to Maccabi while Jose Rodriguez made his debut at the beginning of the second half. Jordi Cruyff and his squad will now turn their attention to Slavia Prague and Europa League action coming up on Thursday night on Matchday 1 in the Czech Republic.

תקציר | מכבי ת”א – בני סכנין, מחזור 3

Head Coach Jordi Cruyff’s Starting XI included Serbian keeper Predrag Rajikovic with a defensive quartet of Yuval Shpungin, Tal Ben Haim, Eitan Tibi and Avi Rikan. Captain Sheran Yeini anchored the midfield with Tino-Sven Susic and Dor Micha while Omer Atzili, Nick Blackman and Vidar Kjartansson provided the attack.

Available on the bench were keeper Daniel Tenenbaum, Egor Filipenka, Jose Rodriguez, Dor Peretz, Cristian Battocchio, Eliran Atar and Barak Itzhaki.

First Half
Sakhnin had the first chance in the ‘4 when Ali Osman threatened the goal while Maccabi came back 3 minutes later with an opportunity of their own as Rikan’s shot missed the target. In the ’13 Firas Mugrabi started a counter attack when he sent a deep ball to Idan Shemesh but the latter’s cross was cleared by the Yellow & Blue defense.

In the ’25 Muhamed Calibat had a chance in the box but his attempt went wide of the goal and 4 minutes later Susic tried to surprise the Sakhnin keeper when he unleashed a 40’ meter blast, but Kandil was able to make the save. Susic went for a long shot once again in the ’36 minute while Yeini tried the same in the ’40 to no avail. Shpungin found himself all alone but his opportunity went over the goal as the sides went into the break goalless.

Second Half
Cruyff made his first substitution of the contest when Yeini came out for Jose Rodriguez who made his Maccabi debut to begin the second half. Shemesh received a dangerous ball in the box but Ben Haim took care of the threat in the ’50 while two minutes later Micha gave Atzili a fantastic pass on the left side as he sent the ball into the box to Rikan who missed the goal. Khaled Khalaila and Ali Osman both received yellow cards in the ’54 and ’55 minutes respectively for the visitors.

With Maccabi looking for the first goal they found it thanks to the Icelandic striker Vidar Kjartansson who was able to take advantage of a Susic break into the box which mixed up the Sakhnin defense to give the hosts a 1:0 lead in the ’59. Three minutes later Mugrabi tried to draw Sakhnin even but his sharp attempt hit the post and went out. Blackman and Mugrabi each picked up yellow cards in the ’63 and ’64 minutes while in the ’69 Cristian Battocchio was introduced for Susic.

Kjratansson found the goal once again to give Maccabi an insurance marker in the ’72 thanks to a deep Micha pass good for a 2:0 advantage. Five minutes later the moment that many fans had waited for finally came true. Eliran Atar made his Maccabi return to a standing ovation.

In the ’80 Blackman streaked down the right wing and looked to add another goal but his attempt hit one of the defenders and went out for a corner. Five minutes later Jaber Ataa took a fine chance but Rajikovic made the save while Blackman took a Micha pass and was left alone in front of the Sakhnin goal but Kandil made the save as the contest ended with Maccabi earning 3-points and the 2:0 win.

Maccabi “Shachar” Captain in a season opening interview

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Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv will get the Youth Premier League Ligat Ha’Al underway this Saturday at the Toto Ramle Stadium at 11:00 when they host Beitar Jerusalem. Just ahead of the opening whistle, the 19-year old captain, Tomer Altman who recently signed a 5 year contract with the club spoke about the upcoming campaign:

How do you feel about beginning the new season?
“I feel great as it’s always fun to begin again anew. This will be my 3rd season with the U19’s and I’m still excited to start the new campaign. We have a lot of good feelings, a lot of desire and we are hungry to get going in league action and get off to a good start.”

How do you feel about the new squad this season?
“We do have a new team and it’s different than last season’s. I believe that we have a good group of players who are continuing with the team from last year such as Fadi Najar, Or Dasa, Ran Vaturi along with Eylon Almog and Eden Kartsev who are veterans. We have also added some players who were born in 2000 and for them it will be their first season with the Under-19 side. The new players are working hard and they all want to learn as many of them won the Double last season with the U17’s and that says a lot about these guys. I’m sure that this will help us achieve success this season and I feel that we can really go far.”

How do you feel about the first match of the season?
“Of course I’m excited. Even though I’ve been with the team for 3 years, I’m still thrilled to get things going and I believe that the players can’t wait as well. We are opening the season against Beitar Jerusalem on live TV and I don’t think that we could have asked for a more challenging contest to begin the campaign. I’m certain that all of the players are coming into this game motivated and ready to go.”

How does it feel to be the Captain of the Under-19 club?
“It’s a huge honor to be the captain of the club and to be its leader. When you are a captain of a team you are very proud and the fact that I am a captain at a big club like Maccabi Tel Aviv makes me even prouder.”

What are your expectations for this season, both personally and for the club?
“I’ll begin by talking about my expectations for the club. A team like Maccabi Tel Aviv always wants to win and take home titles. So I am not embarrassed to say that the goal is to win titles especially since this is my 3rd year with the team and over the past two seasons unfortunately we have not won anything. On a personal level it’s very important for me to win a title in my last season with the U19 side. For myself, as a midfielder who likes to join the attack I want to score some goals and assist on others, more so than in the past two seasons that I was with the squad. The main goal of course is to be able to join the first team and prove that I can be a legitimate player with them.”

Micha: “We’re coming back fresh, stronger and ready to go”

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Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Dor Micha looked ahead to the Matchday 3 contest against Bnei Sakhnin on Saturday at 18:00. Number 15 spoke about the new players, going forward and the Eran Zahavi National Team situation:

“I think that Jordi described it well and those that know Eran Zahavi knows he’s emotional. I agree with Jordi and he may not have thought everything through, but the main point is why he behaved that way. It’s unacceptable that a player is treated the way he was. There shouldn’t be fans that treat a player that way who has done so much for the country. He’s hurt and he did make a mistake but others have to take responsibility, the fans and IFA. I don’t know if it was the right decision to retire but I hope he will change his mind.”

Coming back fresh:
“We came back after a break fresh, stronger and ready to go and we know what we want to do as we prepare for Sakhnin. We’ve brought in new players and that will also help us out in the league which is very important. It’s early, but the new players (Babin & Rodriguez) have played at a very high level in the Spanish league and I’m sure they will be helpful.”

Going forward:
“We are hungry and we want to play better football. I hope that the squad will be able to do that going forward.”

About the Sakhnin match:
“There are no easy games in this league and we have to prepare properly for the match against Sakhnin.”

The dressing room:
“The atmosphere in the dressing room has always been good and I’m sure that’s how it will continue.”

Players leading Maccabi and going out on loan:
“I think that it’s hard to come back to Maccabi and one should give it all to try to stay. It’s not easy and I did with a lot of patience but you can’t judge others. There’s no question that it’s challenging to get minutes. But I hope that players on loan will come back and help us in the future.”

Cruyff: “The club is balanced; I’m happy with the squad”

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Jordi Cruyff, the Yellow & Blue head coach spoke ahead of the club’s home contest on Saturday at 18:00 versus Bnei Sakhnin at the Netanya Stadium on Matchday 3 of the Israel Premier League Ligat Ha’Al. The Maccabi boss talked about the rotation, the new players in the squad and the match coming up:

“It’s always a difficult match against Bnei Sakhnin. The National Team players came back and some are still injured. We will see what lineup we will field and we can now focus with the team that we have. I am happy with the team and I feel that they are balanced and it gives me a lot of options with different weapons. Now it’s time to make the right decisions. The team is a stronger going forward and now’s the time to prove it.”

About the new players:
“I’m happy because in the end when the news of Eitan’s (Tibi) injury came out and with Filipenka playing a few games over the last week and we found a player with experience like Jean-Sylvain Babin. That also the case for Jose Rodriguez whose talent is good but he is still young and has played for Spain and in Germany. He needs continuity and a place like Maccabi can give him that.”

The market:
“Sometimes the market is like this and we tried to sign players. We would like to do things earlier but sometimes that’s how it works. In two months we will see, sometimes it works and sometimes not. We have many different types of ways and systems to play. It’s now time for to us to show it.
I can’t complain at all as the club did what they had to do. Some years on the financial side it’s a plus and some years it’s a minus. Either way we will fight for the championship.”

Homegrown players:
“We have a lot of homegrown players in the squad and we have had a number in the squad every week. It’s always a mutual understanding and a benefit for the player to be loaned so that they can get minutes. Sometimes it’s difficult but it’s a chance to play and it is best for all sides. That’s the decision that we made and I’m good with it.”

Different types of players in the squad:
“I’m happy because the squad has different types of players. Some runners some that play with the ball, some wide and some on the side. Now we have a lot of options on the attack and some very good options. As for Eliran (Atar) we know what he did before here at Maccabi.”

About Eran Zahavi and the National Team:
“I think he admitted that he was mistaken and he was emotional. He is that type of player that has that type of character but that also makes him the player he is. The point is that he was booed at a home game and it was a bit of a strange situation. The way he reacted was a mistake but the fans have to support the national team at home.”

Changing systems on the pitch:
“We also did that last January for some games. It depends on the game and the strengths and weaknesses of the other team. It’s important to play different systems and the ability to change within the game.”

Injury update:
“Dasa is not ready and Golasa hasn’t played many games. Tibi is reasonably fit and we are waiting to have the squad in good shape and have a full squad to go forward.”

Rotating the players:
“I don’t believe in a first XI and nobody will play 60 games. A rotation is healthy and the more things change around the better. This is modern football and it’s happening everywhere. They need to manage themselves. It’s very clear from the start that this is a team and a team game. That’s the key, if you can’t live with it you won’t be here for long. The players have to understand that if they don’t play one game it’s not so bad and that they can comeback.”

Youth Department Action Saturday September 9, 2017

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Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv – Beitar “Oren” Jerusalem, 11:00 Toto Stadium Ramle
The U19’s will play their first contest of the 2017/18 campaign against the newly promoted Jerusalem side. Last season, the young Yellow & Blue finished in 3rd place and will look to better that as Head Coach Guy Tzarfati begins his second campaign with the team.

Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv – Ironi Modiin, 08:30 Kiryat Shalom Synthetic
After falling to Ironi Ashdod last week, the U16’s will look to pick up their first win of the season at home against Ironi Modiin who also lost their opening match of the season.

Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv
The Under-17’s have the week off and will play a friendly against Maccabi Haifa at Kiryat Shalom. The young Yellow & Blue will get back to league action next week.

Know your opponent: Bnei Sakhnin

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Changes on the sidelines
Though the season might be young, Sakhnin has had plenty of action with many twists and turns. It began when the Club appointed Brazilian boss Jairo Swirsky as Head Coach who didn’t last to see the campaign’s opening whistle leaving them back at square one. Felix Naim was handed the keys to the team after last managing Hapoel Kfar Saba. Now at the helm of Sakhnin, Naim will attempt to steer the ship to the championship playoffs for the second straight season and prove that he is a coach to reckon with in the Israel Premier League Ligat Ha’Al.

Comings & Goings
After participating in the championship playoffs last campaign, the Sakhnin side primarily stayed intact especially in terms of the Israelis. Mohamed Calibat and Israel Zaguri came to help out the attack while Giorginho went to Beitar Jerusalem. Yuval Abidor and Siraj Nasar also left the club.

What have they done so far?
Sakhnin has opened the season very well picking up 6/6 points beating Hapoel Acre 2:1 on Matchday 1 and defeating Hapoel Raanana 2:1 the following week. However, in Toto Cup action the Club did not fare as well drawing two matches while losing a pair of contests as well.

Under the Magnifying Glass
One of the most important players for Sakhnin has undoubtedly been Firas Mugrabi and this season won’t be any different. Following his return to Doha from Maccabi Haifa, Mugrabi has looked fantastic so far scoring once while picking up two assists. His lighting speed and quickness will be a lethal weapon against all of the Ligat Ha’Al sides especially when he feels at ease, which is what happens to him when playing for Sakhnin.

In Short: Jose Rodriguez in his First Interview

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Jose Rodriguez, Maccabi Tel Aviv’s brand new 22 year old midfielder gave his first interview to the Official Website and spoke about his goals with Maccabi plus how influential Head Coach Jordi Cruyff was in his release from Mainz:

“I had a number of offers but Mainz wouldn’t agree to release me. However, Jordi was the one who was able to convince them to let me come to Maccabi. It wasn’t a financial reason but more of the style of football that Maccabi plays.”

Controlling the ball:
“From the minute I arrived, everyone told me that Maccabi plays the same style as they do in Spain. This is because of Jordi’s philosophy and I’m a player that likes to control the ball. When I spoke to Jordi he said that I was exactly the type of player he was looking for because when I don’t have the ball I am always trying to get it back since my main quality is to control the ball.”

Time at Real Madrid:
“I played for Real Madrid when I was very young and even though I wasn’t able to play many minutes, I was with the best players in the world. It was a very important experience for me.”

The upcoming season:
“This is a very important season for me. I played for Malaga over the last few months and this will be a crucial month for me. I’ll give everything that I have for the club and I’ll leave everything on the pitch, every single match.”

Style of play:
“I’m a much more technical rather than physical player, but when I played in Germany I added the physical element to my game.”

Goals:
“It’s very important for me to play this season as much as possible. It’s been two years since Maccabi last won the championship so this will be a good year to win the league title and the cup and of course to play well in the Europa League Group Stages. At the end of the day, if we win I’ll become an even better player.”