Barda and Korine prepare for the Derby: "We aren't satisfied with what we’ve achieved so far this season"
Hapoel will kick off the playoff matches tomorrow (Sunday), visiting its city rival for Matchday 27 of the Winner League. Head coach Elyaniv Barda and forward Roy Korine shared their thoughts ahead of the Derby.
Regarding the approval to hold matches without spectator restrictions, Barda said: "We always want the stadiums to be full and for the atmosphere to be the best it can be, regardless of the match. It’s fun for the players and gives them energy - and I’m sure that’s how it will be. We’ve missed our fans, and I’m looking forward to seeing them again".
"It’s the first playoff game, and it’s crucial to start it in the best possible way", the coach added. "We are facing a very good opponent, especially as they are hosting. We’ll need to arrive as focused and prepared as possible to get a good result. We will make the proper tactical preparations; we expect a difficult and intense match. We need to stay on our path and continue the good work we’ve done throughout the season".
When asked about the impact of the previous victory over their city rival, he replied: "The previous Derby win was very important; it helped us as a team and gave us a big boost moving forward—but it’s history now, a long time has passed since then. We are entering the playoffs, the draw handed us a Derby, and we’ll need to be as ready as possible".
Regarding goals for the remainder of the season: "I’m not aiming for a specific spot; I’m aiming for the highest position we can reach. Our team has made tremendous progress since the start of the year and achieved great things - but we aren't satisfied yet. We want to finish as high as possible so that we remain in control of our own fate, which is why we won’t set a specific place as our sole target".
Roy Korine began by reflecting on the previous Derby: "The Derby we won was important for us and the fans, but we know we’ll need to give 100% to replicate that achievement. The pressure being lifted because of that win? I didn't feel it. I think we are a special team that approaches every game with the goal of winning and giving our maximum".
"Europe? We haven't guaranteed anything yet," he added. "The playoffs are tough - ten high-stakes games with six teams that I’m sure will all drop points. Like Elyaniv said, we need to approach every match with the goal of taking the points, moving game by game, and going as far as possible".
