Maccabi Tel Aviv arrived in Birmingham ahead of its Europa League clash with Aston Villa, amid political turmoil surrounding the absence of Israeli fans from the match.
Maccabi Tel Aviv fans are banned from the match. Villa Park in Birmingham, ahead of the Europa League clash between Aston Villa and the Israeli champions. (Photo courtesy: Yossi Medina/BabaGol)
As is their habit in European competitions, the Israeli champions held their final training session at their facility in Tel Aviv before flying directly to Birmingham a few hours later. Upon arrival, the club issued a brief statement stressing that the team is in England to focus solely on football.
At the pre-match press conference, manager Žarko Lazetić and Malian midfielder Issouf Sissokho faced two main questions: the professional challenge in facing one of the strongest sides in the competition, and the decision to bar Maccabi supporters from attending, after political pressure from different groups in Birmingham and the United Kingdom.
Lazetić admitted that the fan ban makes the task more difficult. “Unfair or not, I’m not the one to judge,” he said. “But on the pitch, it’s eleven against eleven.” He added that the situation could even serve as extra motivation. Sissokho agreed: “Our fans will watch on TV, and we have to give everything for them.”
“Unfair or not, I’m not the one to judge”. Maccabi Tel Aviv’s coach, Zarko Lazetic in the press conference. (Photo courtesy: Maccabi Tel Aviv official website)
Turning to football, Lazetić praised the hosts: “Aston Villa is an opponent with one of the best coaches in the world. Our staff followed how they play, and that helps us prepare better. We are here to compete, to show our quality and football.”
Sissokho, only 23 but already an international with Mali, drew on his experience on big stages. “I tell my teammates to stay focused and follow the game plan,” he said. “Enjoy it, play with a smile, and don’t feel stressed. You can be excited, but without stress.”
Playing without his fans, but is looking to enjoy the challenge of playing a Premier League team. Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Issouf Sissokho (Photo courtesy: Maccabi Tel Aviv official website)
Earlier today, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery said that winning the Europa League would be “not an easy task.” On Thursday, Maccabi Tel Aviv will face one of its toughest challenges yet, both on and off the pitch.
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