After the victory over Hapoel Hadera, Hapoel Tel Aviv coach Nir Klinger knows that the struggle for survival is far from over
Klinger, tonight in Netanya
Photo:
Danny Maron
Hapoel Tel Aviv took a significant step tonight (Saturday) towards staying in the Premier League after beating Hapoel Hadera 0: 1.
A goal by Shlomi Azulai made the difference and led to big celebrations at the end of the Reds' game together with the 2300 fans who came to support them at the stadium in Netanya.
Hapoel Tel Aviv coach Nir Klinger was happy at the end but did not go out of his way.
“Naturally, in the bottom playoffs there aren’t a lot of high-level games,” he said.
"Stressed teams, stressed players, stressed coaches, and that usually gives rise to games on the scales, 0: 1 here or there. I was hoping that after our 0: 1 we could give the second and let go, we chatted a bit in the last third, but what matters is the win. We need to get as far away from the red line as possible, "he added.
On the improvement since January and the reinforcement he made to the squad, he added: "The change we made, from where we were to where we are today, is amazing - but it's still not enough. It depends on the results tomorrow and the day after, because if Kfar Saba and Bnei Yehuda win, the whole playoffs will be relegated. "Our celebrations were for the audience, I told the actors in the locker room - we took a good step, I do not think it is a dramatic step, on the way to ensuring that we are still far away. We celebrated, because there was finally someone to celebrate with."
Shlomi Azulai who scored the winning goal: "I waited for this goal quite a bit, first goal in the league. I am glad it came at such a time and in such difficult struggles. I hope we will continue to gain confidence and points. It released pressure, unequivocally, we want to end as much as possible. "Fast, we do not want to be dragged into underground struggles. We first try to gain the advantage and then try to maintain it. Once we achieve the advantage there is something psychological that makes us go backwards, I really hope we improve it."
Hapoel Hadera coach Menachem Koretzky analyzed from his side: "We played fantastic football. I am very pleased with the ability, we got into a lot of situations, Hapoel stole a goal and wasted time. Its players lay down, the referee flowed with them and a pity. A few more minutes and we were equal, but I am proud "In my players, they did a great football show. Every game in the playoffs will be critical until we can stay, I hope we continue to show the same ability and I believe we will do it."