Shota Arveladze, the Yellow & Blue’s Georgian Head Coach addressed the local media for the first time since taking over as Maccabi boss just a couple of weeks ago. His first test will be tomorrow night at the Netanya Stadium, 20:15 against Gorica of Slovenia in a first round Europa League clash. He discussed how the club has looked at camp, Yossi Benayoun, Johan Cruyff and Eran Zahavi:
“I am very happy to be here and we’ve been busy getting the team ready for the Europa League qualifying match. I was very impressed as to how they trained and the will that they showed. It went well and we had a good ten day camp.”
Eran Zahavi leaving to China:
“Eran has left and we have to thank him as he did so much here. There are not very many countries that a player can score so many goals. We wish him the best of luck in China and it won’t be easy; it’s a different culture. But he did a tremendous job here and I wish him luck.”
Tomorrow’s starters:
“I can’t say exactly who the first 11 will be but they can pretty much guess. We should have a good game and I’m looking forward to it.”
Goals at Maccabi:
“It’s not only me that realizes that we are here to win trophies and that gives us great pleasure. The players do so as well and we are here to make some changes and we will do what we need to.”
Last year’s campaign:
“I still believe that we have to give credit to Peter Bosz, The team finished with 81 points and didn’t lose a game in the second half; it’s not easy. The fact that they lost the league with so many points is incredible.”
Important qualities:
“You can’t impress me with quality you have to impress with me with character and your will concentration to be number one. Everyone wants to play and we will see them tomorrow.”
Benayoun’s arrival:
“Yossi Benayoun has done something that is not easy to do and he has played at such high levels for Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal. He’s more than just being a good player but also a good professional. He has smart thoughts and experience. He can make a difference in 2 seconds, make a right or good comment and be the coach’s right hand man. He has a terrific background.”
Carlos Garcia’s status:
“Carlos Garcia will play tomorrow against Gorica and that is what I am prepared for.”
About Johan Cruyff:
“Johan never dies, he was such a genius. It’s easy for me to talk about him as it’s not my father, but Jordi’s. We believe he is not too far from us and makes us a bit philosophical. When I was young I dreamed about sitting with Johan Cruyff and I had that chance in Barcelona. It was an honor and a pleasure to be able to spend some time with him.”
Stepping up:
“I don’t know who will score the 35 goals and I don’t want to bet on it. Someone will come and take his place. In every business and in every sector this is what happens. There is always someone to fill the void.”
Football philosophy:
“You can’t play defensive football with Maccabi. I have nothing against defensive football but the way I played and how I coached is that football has to be done by attractive and attacking football. We will do our best to open the year on the right foot.”
Foreign player rules:
“I don’t know exactly how it will be with 6 foreigners now. We don’t just take a foreigner because they have a foreign passport. They have to be a winner.”
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