With a 2: 0 deficit from the game in Bloomfield, and with the chances against it, Maccabi Tel Aviv will go up tomorrow (Thursday, 19:55) to the rematch against Shakhtar Donetsk. The Israeli champion, who defeated Hapoel Beer Sheva in the cup earlier this week, hopes to continue the positive momentum – and try to create the incredible in Kiev. Tonight, the team held a pre-match press conference, which was attended by the coach Patrick Van Leven And the shield Andre Geralds.
The Dutchman referred to the previous game, saying: “The team managed to play its game in the second half, and we want to continue that tomorrow as well. Our goal is to give the best and achieve the best result possible, of course we also think about the UEFA ranking.”
Commenting on the cup game, Van Leven said: “I saw the team respond well in the game against Beer Sheva, even though we supposedly made 8 substitutions. I do not call it a secondary team, for me they are all good enough, and it just shows the strength of our staff.” As for the opponent, the coach said: “Shakhtar is a good team both defensively and offensively, and we will have to be at our peak to be successful.”
Geralds, who sat next to Van Leven, was asked if there would be a particular player who would be treated in a special way and replied: “You can’t name one, they have a lot of good players.” Van Leven, at the end of the press conference, confirmed that Dan Glazer is fit and will be on the roster for the game.
Coach Shakhtar Luis Castro He added: “I just want to step up, there are five substitutions in each game so we can rotate. Everyone looks at the squad but it does not matter if you substitute or open you have to play the best and win. We will have to be vigilant from the whistle. We did blood tests for six players “They did not play and they are completely qualified. Only I will be responsible for making decisions in the team.”
