The Israeli team will open tonight (Thursday) at 19:00 the World Cup qualifying campaign in a game against the Danish team at Bloomfield Stadium. The one who will guide the team is Willy Rotensteiner, Who will start his second campaign as a coach after the League of Nations.
At press conferences ahead of the game, Rotensteiner said that “it would be a surprise if we took the points” and “the goal is to rise in the FIFA rankings.” Also in his remarks in the Football Association’s game booklet the message is similar and the Austrian has not set the qualification for the tournament as a goal since eight.
Rotensteiner wrote: “Choosing me as the coach of the Israeli team is a great privilege, which also brings with it an enormous responsibility. An entire country looks at me, at the players, at the entire team, and expects us to represent it and its football with dignity. At every moment, on and off the field, responsibility, duty, right, respect, motivate us to do our best. This was the case in the last League of Nations campaign in which we faced senior teams from us, this will be the case in the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign. “
“We always aim as high as possible, emphasizing the possible profit rather than the loss, identifying options and not focusing on problems. Know that the task is difficult, and in the same breath possible. “We set ourselves clear parameters, which if we know how to implement them we will also be able to reach our goals: creativity, high intensity, struggle for every ball, improvement in every action and never give up the game at any stage – from the first minute to the final whistle.”
“The senior Israeli team is the diamond in the crown and has a huge impact on our football image. Each of the players on the team, each of the professionals, asks himself what he can do better to promote the Israeli team and football. Our power is in the team spirit, in the unified locker room, in the winning mentality, in establishing our game philosophy, in constant and consistent improvement. Each of us must remember that he is a role model for young people who will wear the national uniform in the future. We will not always celebrate victories, but we will always strive to achieve them. “
“I am a naturally optimistic person, who believes that hard work, path and faith ultimately lead to the achievement of goals. In my last two years in Israel, I have known wonderful men and women, proud of their country, its football and the national teams. The Football Association is responsible for significant reforms in the industry, for a large financial investment, in order to provide the team with the optimal conditions for success. “This connection, I am convinced, will soon lead us to advance in the world rankings and to many happy Arabs together in stadiums.”
“We played the games in the last Nations League campaign in stadiums without crowds. The fight against the corona virus has forced us to say a long farewell to the fans, the real, unique and all-important power for us. Now, on the way to victory over the virus, you are allowed to be with us again. Still in modest numbers, but meeting you is something I and the players are so looking forward to. It is clear to us that you will be behind us, encourage, support, give everything in the stands for the benefit of the team. We, I promise, give everything on the lawn for you and for those who support us even without being allowed to come to the stadium. The heritage of this proud nation, I have learned, is rich in the heroic triumph stories of the few over the many. Now we have to write another chapter. We, together with you, are the ones who will make this happen. “