"Each one of us must remember that we are role models for young players who dreams to wear Israel National Team uniform in the future. We may not always celebrate victories, but we will never give up striving to achieve them"
Willi Ruttensteiner, Israel Head coach
My position as the Head Coach of Israel National Team is a great privilege, which also brings along a huge responsibility. An entire country looks at me and at the players, as well as on the other members of the staff, and expects us to represent it and its football with dignity. At every moment, on and off of the field, this responsibility, duty, right, respect - motivates us to give our best. This was the case in the last Nations League campaign where we faced superior teams and this will be the case in the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign.
We always aim as high as possible, Emphasizing the potential gain and not the loss, identifying options and not focus on the problems. Knowing that the task is difficult and in the same time possible. We set clear parameters for ourselves that if we know how to implement them we will also be able to reach our goals: creativity, high intensity, challenging every ball, improving every action and not giving up on a match at any stage - from the first minute until the final whistle.
Israel National Team is the crown jewel of our football and has a huge impact on its image. Each player on the team and each staff member asks themselves what they can do better to promote the Team and the football in general. Our strength is in team spirit, Unified dressing room, winning mentality, establishing our game philosophy and striving for constant and consistent improvement. Each one of us must remember that we are role models for young players who dreams to wear Israel National Team uniform in the future. We may not always celebrate victories, but we will never give up striving to achieve them.
I am an optimistic person by nature, who believes that hard work with clear milestones and faith, ultimately lead to the achievement of goals. Over my last two years in Israel I have gotten to know many wonderful men and women who are proud of their country, its football and the national teams. The Israel Football Association is responsible for significant football reforms and for a large financial investment in order to provide the national team with the optimal conditions for success. This, I am convinced, will soon see us advance in the world rankings and will enable us to enjoy many happy evenings together at the stadium.
During the last Nations League campaign, we played in stadiums without fans. The battle against the coronavirus has kept us separated from our supporters for a long time, as they are the ones who provide us with the strength that is so important to us.
Now, as we are on the way to defeat the virus, you are once again allowed to be with us. Though in modest numbers, welcome you back to the stadiums is something I and the players are so looking forward to. It is clear to us that you will be behind us, encourage, support and give everything in the stands for the benefit of the team. I promise you that we will give everything on the pitch for you and for those who will support us even without being able to attend the stadium.
This nation legacy, I have learned, is plentiful with heroic triumphant stories of the few over the many. Now we have yet another chapter to write. We, together with you, are the ones who will make it happen.
Sincerely yours,
Willi Ruttensteiner