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In Maccabi, six players tested positive for the corona virus on Monday morning, according to Israeli media reports. Seven caregivers are also infected. There has not yet been any official confirmation for this number. “We know that there is an extremely high number of infections in Israel and that this has now also degenerated in the club,” said sporting director Christoph Freund and thus spoke of a “strange feeling” before departure at Salzburg airport. .
Due to the situation in Israel, the Salzburg tour group on the charter plane is extremely small and, according to club information, only comprises about 45 people. Players who are not part of the direct line-up for the match remain in Salzburg for preventive reasons, as do various supervisors and club employees who are otherwise always on site.
The opponent himself is dealing with the situation “professionally,” Freund said. “They go out of their way to keep us updated.” Maccabi also tries to ensure the safety of Salzburg residents as best as possible. “Whether it’s hotel accommodation or processing at the airport, they are very supportive.”
Circumstances like never before
According to his own statement, Freund was also in contact with the European association. “It is also a difficult situation for UEFA how they should and how they can react,” said the Salzburg native. As far as he knows, this is the first time a game has been played under such circumstances. “The current plan is for the game to take place tomorrow. There have to be 13 healthy outfield players plus two healthy goalkeepers, then a match can be played, ”said Salzburg sporting director Christoph Freund.
Currently, the cancellation of a game is not in discussion despite the extraordinary circumstances. “UEFA plans to retest today and maybe tomorrow too, if there are more (cases, note).” Freund was sure that Maccabi would try everything to host the match. “And UEFA will want to do that too, as long as it is acceptable in terms of health.”
Team prepared physically and mentally
Despite the great uncertainty, the athletic preparation passed without restrictions. The focus is fully on reaching the CL group stage. “Our goal is to keep the pace high despite the high temperatures at the site. In this way we can put the quite experienced and playful Maccabi team in trouble and find a good starting position for the return leg, ”said coach Jesse Marsch.
Midfielder Enock Mwepu assured that the team was physically and mentally prepared for this important match. “We are all looking forward to returning to the Champions League and we also know that it will not be easy for us because we have to play against an intelligent team,” said the 22-year-old Zambian, who will compete with his teammates in the new gray away jersey. becomes.
Salzburg’s effort for professionalism flew with me. “We can only influence what is in our power. We are flying there now, having a good final training session and looking forward to winning tomorrow, ”said Freund. “Everything that happens around us will be blocked as best as possible.”
Half of Maccabi’s regular team is canceled
In sports terms, you meet an opponent now completely unpredictable. Half of the regular team is canceled by the Israeli title holder. Dor Peretz, Avi Rikan, Daniel Peretz, Nick Blackman, Enric Saborit, Yonatan Cohen and Glazer all tested positive according to the media.
You can hardly talk about a normal game anymore. Freund also saw “effects” that should not change anything in his own approach. “It’s still a qualifying game and it’s about a lot. When the game unfolds, we have to be fully there, no matter which players are on the other side. “Faced with a” strange and difficult “situation, coach Jesse Marsch said:” Our performance, motivation and mentality is what we can control. ” .
In the Salzburg ranks, injured Zlatko Junuzovic and Oumar Solet, as well as defender Jerome Onguene, who, unlike Maximilian Wöber, who was back in shape, did not find a place in the squad, according to the club.
