The Israel National Team will play tomorrow (Wednesday, 21:00) in what will conclude a long season, when they faces Albania in a friendly match. Assistant coach Gal Cohen will be on the sidelines, as national team head coach Ran Ben Shimon will miss the game due to injury. Cohen and team captain Eli Dasa spoke about what lies ahead.

On the preparations:
”We are facing a national team that had a very respectable campaign, with a player like Armando Broja, who is a friend of mine, we played together at Vitesse. We want to continue on our path, play our attacking style of football and keep progressing with the goal of improving ahead of September.”

On joining the national team and the desire to represent it:
“It is a privilege to be part of the national team at any moment. We are trying and want to improve everything possible ahead of September, when the next campaign begins.”

On expectations moving forward:
“We want to continue taking the national team one step forward, connect the fans to us and to our style of play. We will need to bring all of that tomorrow. We are facing a very strong and talented team, and it is a good test for us.”

On Ben Shimon’s absence:
“We love him very much and wish him a speedy recovery. His absence is felt, but this is a system that works excellently even when one person is not present, even if it is the head coach. Gal is an outstanding professional and a good friend, and I have no doubt he will do a great job.”

Cohen also spoke ahead of the match and about the fact that Albania will have a new coach on the sidelines:
“We don’t know how they will play or who will start against us. We are focused on ourselves and want to bring our own game, regardless of who is standing opposite us. There are no excuses, no matter what happens or what the situation is. We want to win this game and pass our final test before September, when we will have four matches. We will prepare with good energy and a positive atmosphere.”

On the players’ commitment:
“One of our primary goals was to turn the national team into a true team. I am in daily contact with these players. I live with them, feel them. We know our DNA and I am confident we will bring it onto the field.”

On his communication with Ben Shimon during this period:
“It is the greatest compliment Ran could give me and the staff, that he believes in us and trusts us. Ran will be at home, and we will keep him updated on everything that happens. We will make the decisions. Everything you see tomorrow from the Israel national team is built on the foundation that Ran created.”