Hapoel Tel Aviv Ready for Derby, Coach Calls for Extra Effort

Hapoel Tel Aviv is finalizing preparations for a major derby match against Maccabi Tel Aviv scheduled for Monday. The team held a press conference on Friday, ahead of the Rosh Hashanah holiday, where coach Eliniv Barda and forward Omri Altman spoke about their readiness.

Coach Barda emphasized focusing on the team's strong start to the season, stating, "What happened in the past is history. We will take our good start to the season with us. We won't focus on the less good period, we will come to the game as it is, try to continue what we've done since the start of the season, and in the derby, we will need to bring our extras. We will come with confidence and we will come humbly."

Regarding potential player acquisitions, Barda mentioned the club is "constantly alert to what is happening in the market, and if we think something can help and improve, we will do it." He acknowledged Maccabi Tel Aviv's perfect start to the season but stated his focus is on his own players and areas for improvement.

Forward Omri Altman downplayed the significance of past derby results, including a win last season. "We won't focus on that derby or any other derby. I don't think dwelling on the past will help us," he said. Altman highlighted the team's clear development in style, DNA, and mentality, which he believes provides confidence for the upcoming match and beyond.

Altman also praised teammate Douglas Owusu, describing him as "an amazing kid, positive, funny, it's fun he's with us." He noted Owusu's easy connection with the team and his maturity despite being only 20 years old, adding that a player with his qualities who can create, assist, and decide games is beneficial for Hapoel Tel Aviv.