Dutchman Peter Bosz spoke to the assembled media following his side’s 3:0 victory over Hapoel Acre and talked about Israeli football, working with players and the difficulties the team had in the first half:

“We can do better. The tempo in the first half was too low and we didn’t create enough chances. It wasn’t easy to play in the wind and it wasn’t easy for the players. Tonight even with an extra player it took us time to readjust in the second half and open up the play.”

About  Israeli football:

“I’ve only been in Israel for a couple of weeks and I’ve been watching as much football as possible. I was in Petach Tikva for the Hapoel Beer Sheva match on Saturday. It’s too soon for me to make judgement about the league.”

Working with the players:

“Once you work with the players you get a better picture of what the players can do. It’s important for other players to score as well and I’m sure Eran will get a goal in the next game.”

Status of Carlos Garcia:

“I substituted him out as he got banged up by his eye socket. He will be fine, but when we took him off we went to three defenders in the back and introduced Barak Itzhaki.”

Yellow-and-Blue midfielder, Dor Peretz is prepared for tonight’s match, 20:00 at Hapoel Acre on Matchday 19 of the WINNER League. The youngster spoke about playing in various tournaments, the new coach and on the match ahead:

“A win this evening would be ideal. We’ll come ready to the match, prepared to give our all and play the way we know how to.”

Playing in many competitions at once:

“We are a deep squad and we all play in the different competitions all year long. We need everyone at any moment be it in the State Cup or a League game. All of the players will take part especially during a time when we are playing a number of matches every week. We’re ready for this.”

About  the new coach, Peter Bosz:

“We feel great. When a new coach comes in, he also brings new ideas in as well, including systems and with time everyone will see these things on the pitch.”

On playing right back last match:

“It’s always good to learn new things, plus it’s fun and exciting. I’m ready to play in any and every position on the pitch.”

The best show in town returns to Tel Aviv! The Yellow-and-Blue will host Maccabi Petach Tikva at Bloomfield Stadium on Saturday night January 23rd, 20:00 on Matchday 20 of WINNER League action. Tickets may be purchased on the Leaan website, by telephone *8780 or at the Leaan Ticket Office, 101 Dizengoff Street, Tel Aviv.

Important:

Up to four tickets may be purchased per transaction.

Youth/Soldier tickets are available with ID via telephone or at the Leaan ticket office.

Ticket Prices via telephone *8780/Internet:

Sections 2/13:

All tickets – 115₪

Sections 7/8:

Adult – 105₪

Youth/Soldier – 55₪ (Telephone only)

Sections 4 (Maccabi Tel Aviv fan section):

All tickets – 60₪

Ticket Prices at the Leaan Ticket Office and on Matchday (Should tickets remain):

Sections 2/13:

All tickets – 110₪

Sections 7/8:

Adult – 100₪

Youth/Soldier – 50₪

Sections 4 (Maccabi Tel Aviv fan section)

All tickets – 55₪ (at the Leaan Ticket Office)

All tickets – 50₪ (on Matchday should tickets remain)

Ticket collection

Leaan Ticket Office 101 Dizengoff Street, Tel Aviv: Sunday-Thursday 09:00-19:00, Friday 09:00-13:30.

On Matchday at the Stadium ticket windows beginning 3 hours prior to the match until 45 minutes after the start of the match.

Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Avi Rikan spoke about his club’s upcoming match against Hapoel Acre up north, tomorrow, Monday at 20:00 on Matchday 19 of the WINNER League. Number 22 discussed playing a pair of games during one week, the atmosphere around the club, expectations and how he has acclimated so far with the team:

“I’m not so surprised with Maccabi and how I’ve fit in. I knew what type of team and club I was coming to. I acclimated pretty quickly for only being here half a year. We had the Champions League qualification matches as soon as I arrived and continued forward from there since then.”

On having a new coaching staff:

“Changing coaches puts all of us in the same spot. We have to show the new coach that we want to play and we will have to produce on the pitch and be active. The coach will see us play and decide from there. We’ve made some changes as we have pressed and run more during the last couple of matches.”

Obligation as a player:

“We have to play well and do our work no matter who the coach is. We have an obligation to the club to play hard and give 100%.”

About the schedule:

“There have been cases when we played first before Beer Sheva and times when we haven’t like the matches recently. But as Maccabi Tel Aviv players we have expectations and there are expectations on us as well. We know that we have to play well and be properly prepared for tomorrow. We know what to expect in the league and we’re not afraid. We just want to let our actions speak for themselves on the pitch and take 3 points.”

Playing two matches in a week:

“We have a training staff to make sure that we are in good shape. So when we have two matches in four days the coaches will have us ready to go. We also have a deep squad. If it’s 95 or 100 minutes we will be in good shape to make sure we do what we need to.”

Positive energy:

“The energy at Maccabi is good and positive and it’s been that way since I got here. We are in a good race against Beer Sheva and we will have to do the maximum to compete with them for the rest of the season.”

The Yellow-and-Blue are preparing for their WINNER League Matchday 19 kickoff against Hapoel Acre up north on Monday at 20:00. During the first round of matches, Maccabi defeated Acre 5:0 at Bloomfield Stadium scoring four goals in the second half, as captain Eran Zahavi picked up a brace while Barak Itzhaki and Tal Ben Chaim each scored a goal to go along with a first half own goal. Head Coach Peter Bosz had a chance to watch Acre in action last week and talked about the challenges ahead for his club:

“I think every game until the end of the season will be important. Beer Sheva won last night and they will win more games. Acre may defend tomorrow and we will see that more often whether we are playing at home or on the road. We will try to open up the game, move fast and get past their defense.”

On the level of play so far:

“I was surprised by the first game we played as it was pretty high level against Maccabi Haifa. I was looking for a chance over the first couple of weeks to see all of the players and now that I’ve seen them all including the 9 players that didn’t play against Haifa as they played this past game a against Ramat HaSharon. I’ve got a better idea of who the players are and what they can do.”

First impressions of Maccabi and Tel Aviv:

“My first impression about the club is that the staff and players along with everyone else around the club has been terrific. The city of Tel Aviv is wonderful, but I’m here for the football and to win games and titles. There is a long way to go to play good football for the fans.”

The race for the title:

“The title is not going to be decided after tomorrow. It will be close until the end of the season and we have to play close, but even if we lose or draw it won’t be the end of the title race, there is a long way to go.”

Squad depth:

“We will need all of the players until the end of the season. We will use all 21 of them that are available as there are plenty more matches to go.”