A press conference was held ahead of the Toto Cup Final: “We’re facing an excellent opponent, and we want to be the ones celebrating at the end of the night”
Head coach Elyaniv Barda and defender Shahar Piven shared their thoughts ahead of tomorrow’s (Tuesday, 20:30) Toto Cup Final at Sammy Ofer Stadium.
“Thirteen years without a title? I don’t really feel it,” opened the coach. “Hapoel Tel Aviv is a big club that wants to get back to competing for trophies, and that’s something we’re working to normalize”.
On the opponent, Beitar Jerusalem: “We’re playing against a very good team. We faced them in the league this season, and it was an even, intense match. We know who we’re up against, we know it’s a game for a title, and we’ll try to give everything”.
Regarding the absence of Fernand Mayembo, who will serve a suspension: “Tomorrow, it’s still 11 versus 11 at kickoff. Mayembo is suspended, but I’m confident whoever replaces him will do a great job. Shahar Piven is set to wear the captain’s armband tomorrow”.
On the number of goals conceded this season, Barda said: “We’ve conceded 11 goals so far - that’s a lot for the defensive style we want to play. We’re working on it, trying to maintain what’s good and improve what isn’t. Tomorrow, of course, we’ll aim to keep a clean sheet”.
Shahar Piven: “We can really feel our fans - at home and away. They’re hungry for success, wins, and trophies. Our job is to repay them on the pitch. I hope the better team wins - and that it’s us. We know what needs fixing and we’re preparing ourselves in the best physical and tactical way”.
The defender, who will captain the team tomorrow, added: “It’s a great honor to be captain of Hapoel Tel Aviv. It’s a huge privilege and I’m grateful for the trust. I believe I have the tools and experience to help lead the way professionally. We have a tough task ahead of us tomorrow, we’ll need to unite, and I hope we’ll be the ones celebrating at the end of the night”.
