Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv will tipoff in Israel State Cup Semifinal Derby action on Monday (21:15) at the Arena in Jerusalem as the two sides will look to punch their ticket to the final slated for Thursday night in the capital city.

Ahead of the game, the coaches and captains of the two squads looked ahead to the big game at a press conference held at the Israel Basketball Association offices.

“This is a place that we have been before and the Cup has been a big challenge for us,” yellow-and-blue captain John Dibartolomeo began. “But we are coming into the game like a final. Every year it one of our goals, this season and a Derby makes it more intense and there will be more energy around the game for the players, fans, clubs and coaches and we need to approach it like a final and be eager to play and excited to play. These are the games as a competitors you want to play.”

Reds captain Bar Timor added his opening thoughts, “I don’t know if the pressure is greater this year, we are aware of the importance of the cup, certainly when it’s a derby and that’s one of our goals this season. We are coming in here at a good time as we played well in the EuroCup recently and we are coming in focused on winning.”

“I would like to congratulate the four teams that made it to the final stages,” Hapoel head coach Dimitrios Itoudis began. “It’s very prestigious. We are working to be ready, we are approaching this game as a final and it’s a do or die game so if you want to reach the cup which is one of our targets we need to beat a great opponent. We are excited and we are looking forward.

Maccabi Tel Aviv coach Oded Katash also shared his thoughts, “First of all, there should be an amazing atmosphere, but we have to remember that it needs to be peaceful between the fanbases, without violence and in a sporting manner. Beyond that, everyone knows what we are going through. We are going through a very challenging time, an almost impossible year, in terms of schedule even more difficult than last season. Obviously, teams that play in Europe without home games also go through difficult challenges, so it’s not easy for anyone.”

“In the last two years we have lost the cup competition, once it was after a double week, the second time it came after the series against Panathinaikos, it never seems to take place at the right time. You can also see this throughout Europe as there are many surprises in the cup. I think all four teams have a good chance and the games are really even and can go either way. This will be a little different from the first derby as there will be different players, so it will be interesting.”

Itoudis commented that there will be some changes in his lineup as he also gave an update about Patrick Beverley’s status, “There will be changes, we continue to learn and we’re in the process of trying to be a better team, we still have things to learn. But like I’ve said before, the little things become big in these types of situations. Every little thing matters in these types of games, all the little details. Pat is not with the club and he’s not practicing with us and it’s a decision of management and he is being suspended.”

Last Derby saw Jaylen Hoard play an integral part for Maccabi Tel Aviv in their victory, but his participation is in doubt due to an hamstring issue, “The story with Jaylen is tricky, he hasn’t trained with the team yet. Even if he can play, it will be without training and it will be a decision that we will have to make in a few hours, it’s hard to know. We will have to get the doctors’ opinion. Obviously, if Jaylen doesn’t play, it will be very significant for us. We are expecting a completely different game, and we will see how it develops.”

As for being a different game, Timor reflected back on the time the two teams faced each other in the Cup and how things have changed for the club, “Three years ago it was a different situation, we were a different team, we had four foreigners, a lower budget and it was a bit of a different world. I think that’s what’s great about the cup, at the end of the day it’s one game, one night and anything can happen. We don’t feel pressured as we’re in a different place.”

“I think the players feel pressure for a game like this and take it in a positive way,” Dibartolomeo added. “It’s a big game, it’s the kind of game you look at at the beginning of the season and you’re waiting for it and excited for it.”

As for Itoudis, this will be the first chance to win some hardware with Hapoel Tel Aviv and add a cup to his vast trophy case that includes awards and trophies from a number of leagues and countries.

“I am very happy that owner Ofer Yannay invited me to coach Hapoel Tel Aviv. It motivated me to come here and help Hapoel Tel Aviv grow and win titles. If I am part of it, I will feel great, but I want to know that we have all the ingredients to do it. I really want to help to bring titles to this club.”