Maccabi Tel Aviv coach ahead of the game with the Ukrainians: "We will continue to play until the last minute, we have a deep enough staff" • Dan Glazer: "We have been playing well since the new coach arrived"
Maccabi Tel Aviv players in the concluding training session, tonight
Photo:
Danny Maron
Tonight (Wednesday), Maccabi Tel Aviv held a concluding training session and a press conference ahead of tomorrow's game at 22:00 against Shakhtar Donetsk in the last 32 rounds of the Europa League.
Maccabi Tel Aviv coach
Patrick Van Leven
, who previously served as director of Shakhtar's academy, said: "We respect Shakhtar, but are not afraid of them. I had a good time working there, and it's nice to meet them, but it does not change my thoughts ahead of the game."
Van Leven added: "We know what they did in Europe, but we are ready, and want to show our abilities. See tomorrow what I plan for the game. We showed that we are a team that plays until the last minute and we will continue to be like that. Jonathan Cohen will not be able to play but everyone else is qualified. "Every week we try to find the right team and think about the next game, our staff is deep enough for all the games we will now also have in the league."
On criticisms leveled against him by former coach Giorgos Donis, the coach said: "Maybe you think this is the right time to talk about it, but I do not think this is the time, and these are things you will have to ask the management."
Dan Glazer:
"The players have been showing good ability since the new coach arrived and we enjoy football. Shakhtar Donetsk is a better team than us, there is no doubt at all, but everything is given to make it difficult for them and do the best."
Glazer added: "Playing in such a position is a dream for every Israeli player, especially for me as one who grew up in the club and I wanted to succeed with the team in Israel and Europe. We are doing amazing things in Europe this year and hope it continues. I think Shakhtar were on holiday and played only one game before us. To be an advantage for us. "
