On this week’s episode, Ori Cooper from Yedioth Achronot and ynet.co.il’s expert analyst came on board along with midfielder Eyal Golasa to talk about the latest in the world of Maccabi:
Ori Cooper joined Lior Timor and Asaf Shemesh on the Maccabi-Cast:
Is there a favorite in the Hapoel Beer Sheva & Maccabi Tel Aviv match:
“I don’t think so. I’ve heard some people say that if Beer Sheva had all of their players available then perhaps they would be considered the favorites, but I really don’t think that you can say that there is any favorite in the match. People always remember the last game each team played and in this case Beer Sheva won and Maccabi lost to Haifa. But just 3 days earlier it was a different story when Maccabi defeated Alkmaar in Holland and Beer Sheva lost at home to Sparta Prague. This may be the first time though that a Maccabi team in the Cruyff era has not come into a game as the favorite.”
Maccabi as favorites last season:
“I felt that the last few years due to how they were built and the organization that they were always favorites, even last year The mentality was there for them to consider themselves the favorites as well. I would not be shocked by anything in this contest.”
Working on the small details that could make a difference:
“If you look at the match against Haifa I discussed the issue of substitutions. Eli Dasa attacked constantly from the right side and when you look at Beer Sheva they have Tony Nwaekame on that side of the pitch. Maccabi will need the defenders and midfielders to help out on that wing.
Maccabi may have to switch the side that Tal Ben Chaim is attacking from as they did in the National Team over the course of the game. Maybe for 10-15 minutes it should be tried out as it may be good for the team. Over the last part of the game against Haifa, Maccabi played with 3 defenders in the back so it’s important to see who the two players on the wings will be. Both Yossi Benayoun and Oscar Scarione may be excellent players but they may not be appropriate for this type of formation.”
Playing Scarione behind the striker and not on the wing:
“That’s exactly where he should be playing and has done his whole career. The issue is that the coach has a problem which is a good one as he has Kjartansson, Ben Chaim, Scarione and others who can play the 4-3-3. At the beginning of the season Scarione did play behind the striker but the formation exposed the defense. With the 4-3-3 the defense has looked much better but a player has to play on the wing which has been Scarione.”
Key matchups:
“Eli Dasa & Nwakaeme will be super crucial in this match but there is even something more important which occurred in the Haifa match which is how they cut off Medunjanin. He handled the ball 120 times, 30 more than any other player so the offense runs through him. The minute he got the ball there was a player one meter from him closing off the lanes. Beer Sheva will do the same thing and they do that against every big team they play. Maccabi will have to find a way to open up those passing lanes and Medunjanin will have to try to take advantage of the players who will try to cut him off.”
Controlling the ball:
“Both teams like to handle the ball and Maccabi will have to find a way to get Beer Sheva away from what they are used to doing. Maccabi does have the ability to go out on counters but they could press as well to change up tactics a bit. You will see both in this game.”
Maccabi midfielder Eyal Golasa was next up with Timor and Shemesh and started off by talking about the injury he picked up against Maccabi Haifa:
“I’m feeling better and I’m getting treatments now so I hope I’ll come back even stronger.”
Disappointment of leaving the Haifa game early on:
“It’s disappointing to come out of the game so early and I had been feeling really good the past month. But these are things that happen in football and I just have to look ahead.”
Feelings about the criticism that was levied against him when he signed with Maccabi:
“Everyone gets criticized and we all have to know how to deal with it. If I was uncomfortable with it I wouldn’t have come back to Israel and Maccabi Tel Aviv. I’m giving it all for Maccabi and you haven’t seen anything yet. It’s upsetting to get hurt but there’s a long year ahead.”
Does the criticism give you more drive:
“No, I really don’t listen to what others are saying and I am concentrating on myself. I am at every training session and I give it my all. It really doesn’t bother me what others are saying.”
Fighting for a spot in the Starting XI:
“I went through a lot in Greece and I played plenty the first year I was there, so I never really wanted to just sit on the bench. I’m happy I’ve had the patience and I fought for my place. At the end of the day when you work hard you are rewarded.”
On the thought of leaving a month ago:
“Not a chance. It was all nonsense.”
Important games against Beer Sheva and Alkmaar next week:
“It’s a bit early but we know that we can do well in the matches that are coming up.”
Busy months:
“We have had many, many games the past couple of months and it wasn’t the case that we were up in clouds when we played in Dundalk but the fact is that we have to try to work even harder and go for it. I’m sure everyone will see that over the next week.”
