Returning to the league: Hapoel will resume play tomorrow when hosting Maccabi Haifa. Elyaniv Barda and Omri Altman shared their preparations for the match
After more than a month without football, Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv will take the pitch tomorrow (Monday) for its return match following the forced war break, facing Maccabi Haifa at Bloomfield Stadium. The match, which will be played behind closed doors, will be the final home game before the playoffs.
Head coach Elyaniv Barda and player Omri Altman attended the press conference held prior to the final training session.
The coach opened: "It has been a complex period, but ultimately we did things the right way: during training in Israel, at the training camp in Cyprus, and upon returning here. In a situation like this, preparation cannot be ideal, but we prepared very well."
On the foreign players: "Throughout this entire period, we shared our feelings with them and were very open. We left the decision in their hands, and I am glad that almost everyone returned. It is not an easy situation for them; it is not easy to return to a country at war, but they still made the decision to be with us – and we appreciate that very much. Regarding Kraev, he had a difficult journey with his national team, and we are waiting for him."
Regarding the upcoming match: "We want to return from the break in the best possible way. Bloomfield will be empty and that is not easy, but we will have to bring the energy from within to secure three points."
When asked about the resumption of the games: "It is hard to say whether it is right to bring the league back; I am not sure there is a right answer. Without a fans, which is the most important thing in the game, it is difficult. We are in a complex period and football can help people. Once a decision was made, we need to prepare the players and have them as ready as possible."
On squad absences: "Injuries and suspensions are part of the game, which is why we built a deep squad. We will field 11 players, no less, and I am sure that whoever gets the opportunity will take it."
Omri Altman shared: "A complex period, undoubtedly. Over time, we returned to a routine along with the club, which made tremendous efforts for us. I was in constant contact with the foreign players; it was important for me to hear them out and present them with the real picture. The truth is, we saw the news in Cyprus and it really looked worse than it actually is, so it was important for me to clarify to them that it is less severe."
On the match against Maccabi Haifa: "It is a huge bummer that there is no crowd. In many games, their energy and push brought us the points. The upcoming match is very important, to return from this forced break properly – and to continue our path this season."
