For the first time in 38 years, Hapoel Haifa will return to play in a European framework, when they host Gaziantep of Turkey tonight (Wednesday) in the first round of the group stage of the European Cup.
The team's coach, Sharon Drucker, talked about the preparations for the game: "I think everyone around feels that it is really festive and historic. We worked hard to separate the team from it and conduct it as if it were a normal game."
"Gaziantep is the favorite team at home, coming from a very strong league with big budgets, but we come to play our game, fight and do the best we can.
We prepared properly and will come ready for this game," added the coach.
The team's center, Devonte Upson, said: "We had a tough week of training. We worked hard like we always do, we mainly focused on our aggressiveness. It's going to be a very physical game. I played last year against players from the Gaziantep squad and I know how they like to play. To win We will have to come and play very tough and aggressive and give our best."
The team's guard, Muriel Lutati, concluded: "The European season starts today. The excitement is great. We hope to present our best ability in each of the games and qualify for the next stage. Super important for the club, super important for the fans and we the players will do everything to bring pride to the club."
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