After earning their first point in the Nations League with a 0–0 draw against Kosovo, the Israel national team is already looking ahead to its next match. Israel coach Ran Ben Shimon and Ilay Feingold spoke ahead of the highly charged encounter with Ireland on Sunday, (21:45 Israel time), with the Blue and White looking to respond to the 3–0 defeat they suffered against the Irish in the previous meeting.

Anan Khalaili is out, while Manor Solomon and Raz Shlomo are ill. Can you update us on the fitness situation?
“We’re treating them and, at the moment, we want to see who has recovered and who is having a slightly harder time. In any case, a very strong lineup will take the field and those who are in the best physical condition will play.”

An entire country will be watching, expecting us to restore our pride on the pitch. The last time I asked you about this, you said that you had ‘choked,’ but the expectations will be similar this time too. How do you put the noise aside?
“I know that we disappointed an entire country in the previous game. I’m not disconnected from what’s going on. I think tomorrow’s game will be different, and our approach will be completely different. Sometimes things happen in sport and develop in ways we didn’t want them to. I very much hope that those who watch us will be proud of us. We know what we’re playing for, but ultimately we’ll have to improve in every aspect so that people in the country can be proud of us.”

You obviously analyzed the match against Ireland. What are the key points you want to see tomorrow, beyond the approach?
“It’s pretty clear that we’ll have to respond to their intensity and aggressive style in a completely different way. I think the key points are about our approach. I think we’re a good, quality team, and we fell short in that respect in the previous game against Ireland. Let’s see what we’ve learned. We’ll have to wait until tomorrow to see how we respond to it.”

The Ireland manager told us at his press conference that he hopes football will win because Israel will come looking for revenge.
“I think my staff and my national team need a coach with maximum focus and concentration. I intend to do the best possible preparation, professionally on the pitch. I’m coaching a good team that plays in a very intense manner, and I need to find a solution on the field. I’m sure we have the answers within the squad. I very much hope that those who watch us tomorrow will feel proud.”

In hindsight, should you have played with a different system?
“We’ll finish the camp and do the calculations. I don’t think this is the right time for that. We need to be focused on how we win tomorrow, but there’s no doubt that we’ll find things that need to be changed.”

After the previous game against Ireland, you said your players were unable to handle the pressure.
“We felt the pressure on our shoulders. We didn’t respond properly to what was happening. I believe things like that happen from time to time—overthinking. I’m trying to prepare them in the best possible way. In the previous meeting, I don’t think I did a good enough job. I believe tomorrow will be better.”

There are players who may be missing. Will you take a risk and play them if necessary?
“I will not risk any player. The best players are the healthiest ones.”

Do you think the way this match has been handled by the football authorities has been appropriate?
“For me, one thing was clear from the beginning. Our federation dealt with everything surrounding the match; I deal with everything that happens on the pitch. As for everything going on around it, I think our federation is handling it well. I trust their loyalty and humanity. I’m focused only on how I can prepare my players in the best possible way.”

What do you think about the idea that perhaps, after these two matches, Israel and Ireland should say ‘thank you very much’ and never play each other again?
“I’ve been through a divorce once. It’s not something pleasant. Throughout Europe, we’ll play against everyone.”

Ilay Feingold spoke about the upcoming clash:

Last week, your captain said you didn’t perform the way you expected to. What has changed?
“I think what happened last week has already happened. We’re professional players and we know what we need to do. We need to improve our performance, and we’ll do our best.”

On a personal level, what does it mean to be here? Is representing the senior national team a dream come true for you?
“There’s no doubt that it’s an enormous source of pride for me. Everyone knows how important tomorrow’s game is. I think the key is to come out and rise above what happened last week, put in a good performance, and take these three points.”

You can also play as a center-back. Have you been prepared to start in place of Raz Shlomo?
“I’ll play wherever the national team needs me, in any position. Luckily, I know how to play in several positions. Wherever Ran [Ben Shimon] needs me, I’ll give my best for the national team.”

You weren’t called up to the national team for two years. What did you feel during that period when you weren’t being selected?
“Mainly, I knew I needed to work on certain aspects of my game. I knew that Ran and the staff were following all the players playing abroad. In every training session, I pushed myself to the limit. The moment they called me up, I knew I had to fight for every minute.”

We haven’t really had the chance to speak properly with the players who came from MLS, given the short preparation period you’ve had.
“From my perspective, and I can speak for all of us, it’s an enormous source of pride to come and represent our country. The body does need to adjust, but when you’re called up, you do it no matter what. I hope that tomorrow we’ll show that desire on the pitch as well.”

Are you talking about restoring your honor against Ireland?
“We’re not talking about honor. We’re not focusing on the noise around us; we’re trying to stay focused.”

You were at Maccabi Haifa and played against European teams. How would you compare that with MLS? Do you feel you’ve improved there?
“I think a lot of Israelis tend to underestimate this league. The American league is on an upward trajectory. I do feel that I’ve improved as a player, that I’ve learned a lot about myself. I have my ambitions, and I hope this is another step along the way.”