Hapoel Tel Aviv wants revenge on Maccabi Tel Aviv for the humiliation in the last derby, but no less important, it knows that only a victory in this derby, after 8 years that it did not happen, will leave it a chance to reach Europe, provided Netanya stumbles against the champion.
The professional team asked the players during the week to show more responsibility so that a distance like the one that was for Shai Elias, in the previous derby, will not be repeated.
"If we're in Europe it's a bonus for this season," the club admitted.
Coach Kobi Refuah is expected to continue in the same lineup he started in the draw against Netanya, although Eddie Gottlieb, Ben Bitton and Stav Lemkin are suffering minor injuries.
"If necessary, they will play with balls and shots," Hapoel clarified.
Before the game, there will be a ceremony in honor of Omar Damari, the team's youth coach, who retired from active play last year.
Hapoel Tel Aviv fans in previous derby. Boycott concludes training, Photo: Alan Shiber
Meanwhile, in contrast to previous derbies over the years in which they came to support the players, Hapoel Tel Aviv fans decided not to attend the concluding training session, in protest of the defeat in the previous derby.
Unlike any derby in recent years, the concluding training will be conducted in jarring silence.
You will only return your honor in victory.
Hapoel Tel Aviv is an empire !!
Raise your head and fight to the death !!! "
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