Barak Becher: "The break came on time for us" | Israel today

Maccabi Haifa will host the first game of the season on Saturday against Maccabi Tel Aviv at Sami Ofer Stadium.

The tickets for the game sold out a long time ago, and on social networks, peddlers are selling tickets for hundreds of shekels.

This morning (Thursday) the team held a press conference ahead of the game with the participation of Barak Becher and captain Neta Lavi.

Coach Barak Becher opened his words: "The break came on time because we were in a busy period and after a loss. This is an important game that opens a series of quite a few games in a row, and it is important for us to start on the right foot with a victory, we rested properly and we are ready."

About the rivalry with the yellows at the top, the coach said: "I think that BS is also a good team that will go to the end, this is definitely an important game.

We hope to do what we have done so far and win.

We cannot afford another loss, especially after Hapoel Jerusalem."

Regarding another reinforcement that didn't arrive: "It's no secret that we wanted to get stronger, but we couldn't find quality players to strengthen us. I believe in the squad we have - we'll have to manage the workload."

He also referred to Mahmoud Jaber who is still missing: "It's a complex injury, it's impossible to know when he'll be back. He's an important player who will help us."

On the matchup on the lines against Vladan Ivitch Bacher added: "He is an excellent coach, that's clear. It will be a great challenge to play against Maccabi Tel Aviv." Regarding Eran Zahavi, who returned to Israel, he added: "He is not just a player.

They are an excellent team and that's clear."

Neta Lavi added before the game at the press conference: "Since I was a child, there has been this rivalry. Since the beginning of the year, everyone has been waiting for this game, it is important for us and for the audience, and we will wait for it", regarding the strengthening of Maccabi Tel Aviv in the summer: "We are not looking at their players. They have a good team, but we also have an excellent team. Israeli football is on the rise, and that's good for all of us."

Ali Muhammad will return 

Professionally, coach Barak Bakr is getting midfielder Ali Muhammad back from an ankle injury.

Muhammad has been rested in recent weeks and the national team break helped him fully recover and train fully.

Bakr is debating whether to open with Muhammad or continue with Neta Lavi and Muhammad Abu Fani.

Beyond that, the coach comes with a full squad and will go up with his strongest 11.

Ali Muhammad.

Circular, photo: Maor Alxalsi

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