A press conference ahead of the Tel Aviv derby: "We’re capable of beating any team on any pitch - we hope our path leads to the result we want”.
Ahead of Sunday’s Tel Aviv derby (19.10, 20:30), head coach Elyaniv Barda and left-back Doron Leidner shared their thoughts ahead of the clash.
“First of all, we were all overjoyed to see the hostages finally return home after two painful years,” opened Barda. “We truly hope this nightmare will soon be behind us, with the return of all the hostages and fallen heroes. Thanks to our brave soldiers, we’ve been able to focus on football and maintain a routine — but in the end, it all pales in comparison to their courage on the battlefield”.
On the rivalry: “The derby is a massive match that every player dreams of playing in. Hapoel Tel Aviv always aims to be a top team, and I hope we’ll prove we deserve that status. As for past derbies - I don’t look back; my focus is only on the future and the path ahead, which I hope will bring success”.
“To win a derby, we’ll have to play a perfect game,” he added. “Our opponent is an excellent side and we respect them, but our team is capable of beating any club on any pitch. Nobody set a specific target for us to ‘win the derby’ this season — we’re a team transitioning from the second division to the top, and our goal is to show the same footballing style we displayed last season. Standards at Hapoel Tel Aviv are high, and our ambitions are limitless”.
On the last match against Hapoel Be’er Sheva: “We lost three points and we’ll have to improve. The compliments were nice, but we came home empty-handed. There’s respect for our style of play, but that doesn’t win matches. I told the players we can’t be a team that’s satisfied with praise”.
Regarding preparation: “The week was extended because many players were away on international duty. We used the time to work on tactical elements and now that they’re back, we’ll complete the final preparations”.
About the fans: “It’s a great feeling to know our fans bought all the tickets so quickly. We have to be worthy of the fans who fill the stands, and hopefully, we can celebrate with them at the end”.
Doron Leidner added ahead of the city clash: “I was here when we couldn’t win the derby but I’m not looking back .We have excellent players, we feel good, and we want to get it done. We’ll need to stay focused for all 90 minutes and execute the small details as best as possible”.
“The mental aspect is huge before the whistle,” said the full-back, “but once the match starts - it’s football, pure and simple. The will to win every game is always there”.
“A derby win can release a lot of emotion throughout the club,” he continued. “Everyone who joins this team immediately understands its importance — the fans make sure of that. Of course, I believe we can win; I don’t think there’s anyone in this squad who doesn’t”.
On his personal journey: “The last two years haven’t been easy. I came here to play, and it took time to get back to myself — but I’m happy I took this opportunity. Yazan is an excellent player, and like every competitor, I enjoy the challenge. It only brings out the best in me”.
