Andy Landesberg is confident Maccabi GB Open Football can win gold at the European Maccabi Games in Budapest this summer, and he says they will settle for nothing less.
June 11, 2019 13:43
One of the favourites to win the blue riband event in Hungary, manager Landesberg and his assistant, Nathan Kosky, believe their squad will finish the ten-day competition on the winners’ podium.
Landesberg and Kosky led MGB to silver medal at the 20th Maccabiah Games in in Israel and they will go all out for gold in Hungary.
“We did something special at the Maccabiah, and now we see it as building on these foundations into an even better and more prepared squad, and one that can not only win gold in Budapest, but can then continue to develop,” said Landesberg
“The players will be given everything they need to perform to their highest standard, and we believe they can deliver.
“There is a great blend of experience alongside some new and exciting young talent who we feel are the right players on and off the field to create a superb squad. Once again, I also have another first-class backroom team.”
The squad features several players who won silver in Israel and are joined by a number of new faces for the challenge ahead. All of them are playing non-league football but some also playing significantly higher up the ladder.
For the majority, this is their first European Maccabi Games at Open level. They will be led by returning captain and Maccabiah silver medal winner Mitchel Hahn.
Kosky said: “Andy and I really want to deliver a sustained period of excellence for MGB, which started in Israel and we want to continue this summer and beyond. We feel we created a successful template which we have always challenged ourselves to constantly improve.”
“Everyone in the squad is extremely proud to represent their country and their community and we now want to deliver our very best when it matters most, in Hungary, and win a gold medal.”
Mitchel Hahn has been confirmed as team captain. Describing the role as “a great honour,” he went on to say: “Andy and Nathan have selected a young, talented group which also includes a lot of experience. We will prepare properly and give everything to bring back the gold medal.”
Former Premier League player Mark Kennedy comes in as head coach. He played more than 400 league games for clubs including Liverpool, Manchester City, Wolves, Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace. Kennedy, who will be assisted by coach Darren Yarlett, also worked at Manchester City until 2018 and most recently he was at Macclesfield Town.
Performance and fitness was recognised as a vital factor of the team’s success last time out, and this is a major focus again with the medical side again including former England and Arsenal physio Gary Lewin, alongside Peter Shepherd, who has previously worked at the David Beckham Academy before linking up with the squad for Israel in 2017. Darren Stern has been reappointed as Sports Scientist for the squad after making a huge impact at the Maccabiah. This is a role which he performs currently for Millwall.
SQUAD:
Adam Arnold
Adam Bolle
Adam Burchell
Daniel Creese
Lee Goldberg
Mitchel Hahn (Capt)
Max Kyte
Nick Landesberg
Adam Lipman
Austin Lipman
Liron Mannie
Jack Mattey
Ethan Mooney
David Myers
Reuben Rabstein
Jake Rinsler
Nathan Schindler
Tom Smith
Manager: Andrew Landesberg
Assistant-manager: Nathan Kosky
Head Coach: Mark Kennedy
Coach: Darren Yarlett
Physios: Gary Lewin, Peter Shepherd
Sports Scientist: Darren Stern