Barak Bakhar is hopeful that playing at home will give Maccabi Haifa an important boost in their Champions League clash against Juventus.
The Bianconeri will be desperate to secure all three points against the Israeli side tomorrow as they look to close the gap against group leaders Paris Saint-Germain and Benfica, who are both tied on seven points. Massimiliano Allegri will be hoping for a strong response from his players following their 2-0 loss to Milan on Saturday.
Speaking in a press conference, Bakhar first commented on Juventus’ form coming into tomorrow’s game.
“I saw Juventus’ game against Milan, in the first 10 minutes they could have gone ahead by two goals. We saw them in the previous game, despite feeling they could draw, for most of the match they were better than us.”
He spoke about Maccabi Haifa’s need to contain Angel Di Maria.
“He had a great game thanks to us. We gave him space to do what he wants and we will try to contain him tomorrow.”
Finally, Bakhar discussed the importance of playing at home against Juventus tomorrow.
“Juventus will experience an atmosphere they haven’t experienced for a long time. It is true that Europe also has great stadiums and great atmospheres, but the Sami Ofer is something special even at this level.
“It gives us strength and power, it pushes us in the less good moments and there is no doubt that it will be a relevant factor.”
Juventus picked up a key 3-1 win over Maccabi Haifa in their first meeting in Turin last week and Allegri will be hoping for a similarly strong performance tomorrow. Their opponents currently sit second in the Israeli Premier League, one point behind league leaders Maccabi Tel Aviv.