Hapoel Tel Aviv Coach Eyes Toto Cup Final Derby Win

Hapoel Tel Aviv coach Eliniv Barda is focused on winning the Toto Cup final against Maccabi Tel Aviv, emphasizing the derby's importance for the club's prestige and fans. "A derby for us is a game for a lot of prestige and a very important game for the fans and the players. It preserves our club and we want it to continue to strengthen this club," Barda stated at a press conference on October 26, 2023. He acknowledged the team's previous 1-4 derby loss, admitting their defense was uncharacteristic and that they need to improve their pressing and game control, despite a red card in that match. Barda also addressed team absences, noting that Boateng is returning to training without contact, while Tourial is still out. He expressed confidence in the team's deep squad to compensate for missing players. Regarding the red card received by Krave, Barda mentioned he speaks with him regularly and that the player regretted the impact of his dismissal on his teammates. Player Assaf Tzur echoed Barda's sentiment, calling the last match unrepresentative and promising to prove it was a one-off. Tzur also commented on his contract option, stating he is happy at Hapoel and the club always fights for titles, vowing to give their maximum effort.