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 in a press conference. He acknowledged the team's previous 1-4 derby loss, admitting their defense was not representative and that they need to improve their pressing and game control, despite a red card in that match.

Barda addressed team absences, noting that Boateng is returning to non-contact training while Touri'al 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 has spoken with the player, clarifying it wasn't an impulsive act but a difficult situation where Krave felt bad for his teammates having to run more due to his expulsion. He anticipates Krave's return.

Player Assaf Tzur echoed Barda's sentiments, calling the last derby a "one-off slip" and promising to prove it. He highlighted the strong connection with fans and the pressure of the derby, aiming to channel it positively. Tzur also commented on his contract option, stating there's no new development but expressing happiness at Hapoel, a club that always fights for titles. He pledged to give maximum effort in the final.