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FOOTBALL EUROPE: Matthaüs's Netanya mission

/noticias.info/ Lothar Matthaüs is targeting success at home and abroad with Israel's Maccabi Netanya FC in 2008/09.

Second-place finishes
The 47-year-old former Germany captain agreed to take over at the Ligat Ha'Al club in April, but has a tough task on his hands if he is improve on the record of his predecessor Reuven Atar who guided Netanya to the runners-up spot behind Beitar Jerusalem FC in each of the last two seasons. However, aside from trying to topple Beitar and claim the club's first title since 1983, the former Germany captain is also aiming for a lengthy run in the UEFA Cup, with his side entering the competition in the second qualifying round. "I would like to go as far as possible with Netanya in Europe," said Matthaüs, who guided FK Partizan to the UEFA Champions league group stage in 2003/04. "Domestically, I understand Beitar Jerusalem are favourites because they have a larger budget but we will still try and give them a fight."

'Excellence'
Matthaüs, who captained Germany to 1990 FIFA World Cup glory, is well versed with success having won seven league titles during his playing career with FC Internazionale Milano and FC Bayern München. Now the 150-times capped international is eager to impose the highest professional standards on his players at Netanya. "One could see from the first training session that Matthaüs has brought with him a level of professionalism and demand for excellence," said Netanya goalkeeper and captain Liran Strauber.

New signings
Matthaüs has already strengthened his squad with the signing of Alain Masudi and midfielder Ravid Gazal – a former Netanya youth player – from Maccabi Tel Aviv FC. The acquisition of Baruch Dego, who played in the UEFA Champions League in 2004/05 with Maccabi Tel Aviv FC, should also assist Matthaüs' aim of reaching "the UEFA Cup group stage". notas_de_prensa_archivo