Landesberg, who guided MGB to silver medals at the 2017 Maccabiah Games, also won Futsal gold at the 2015 European Maccabi Games, will be joined again by assistant-manager Nathan Kosky and will begin putting the building blocks in place for the challenges ahead. Darren Yarlett will join the experienced duo in a coaching capacity.
First team manager at London Lions, Landesberg believes he has unfinished business with the MGB team. “As I was leaving the field of play last summer after being beaten in the final, I felt very proud of what we had all achieved, but knew it was just the start of a new journey,” he said, reflecting on the 3-0 final defeat against the USA. “I went for gold, and got silver. I knew I would be coming back.”
Reflecting on the appointment, he commented: “Being appointed manager for the EMG is a great honour and a responsibility that I am extremely proud and excited about. Nathan and I delivered a very special experience for the squad in Israel, and whilst we felt we got it right, we also know there are some things we can make even better.
“There is no doubt there will be some familiar faces, but also some new ones as we aim to deliver another magical journey in a city that has seen some historic, but traumatic times for the Jews of Hungary.”
Kosky is relishing to work alongside Landesberg again, and said: “Reaching the last Maccabiah final has given us both the belief that we can aim for two gold medals in the next three years. This is a big challenge, but we feel we have the players, know-how and formula which can help us achieve it.”
The current under-21 at London Lions, Kosky went on to say: “As with the Maccabiah Games, what will be absolutely critical is the way the group binds together on and off the field. We are looking for the right characters and mindset from the start. We will combine some exciting young talent with slightly more experienced players.”
“We will deliver the very best preparation possible. From a professional head coach, to the rest of the backroom team that will again aim to give the players the edge over the other countries.
With a number of successes as Lions’ first-team coach, Yarlett is excited to be back in the fold having been part of the coaching set up at the 2013 Maccabiah. He also helped his country win EMG gold in 2011 and said: “To be able to represent your country isn’t something that happens very often, so this is something I am extremely proud of.
“Our expectations on the pitch will be to win, but also experience the beautiful city of Budapest and the Jewish history it has to offer.”
Landesberg challenged Jewish players to step up and test themselves on the big stage. He commented: “To any footballer who is thinking of applying to represent Team Maccabi GB in Budapest I would say that to be part of a great team, who are part of an even bigger group representing their country and their community at a tournament that welcomes competitors from across the world is truly unique.
“We want to create a squad who want and can deliver their dreams, because that is exactly why I am involved. Anybody who thinks they have got what it takes to be part of this must apply and make their dreams come true. I want to help make those dreams and goals happen.”
