Souness gets grilled in baking Israeli heat
The Scot held his final pre-match press conference before putting his players through their paces in humid conditions after a day during which temperatures soared to 100 Fahrenheit.
However, it was he who was feeling the heat as he was questioned by the Israeli media on a wide range of topics, including his assertion that Sakhnin are a physical team, the political situation in the Middle East and his future as United boss should his side fail to push home their 2-0 first leg advantage.
Souness handled the situation with admirable poise, even managing to raise a smile when asked if he thought he might lose his job after barely two weeks in charge.
“Have I been in the job two weeks yet?” he said. “That’s the pressure of working at a big club.”
Souness was lured into the vexed question of the troubles in Israel and what role sport could play in healing the divides with the cash-strapped Sakhnin side comprising Jews, Arabs and overseas players, but again negotiated a safe path through it.
“We’re very privileged in English football. Football in England at this moment in time is enjoying the best period in the history of professional football.
“We’re very fortunate to be in football in England at this time and when you play in Europe, of course you play people from different backgrounds and different cultures.
“Empathy? Sympathy? I don’t think that comes into it. But I’m a human being and I understand that the majority of people in this footballing world are not as fortunate as we are.
“History will show that sport does build bridges and if we can help in any small way, we should encourage it.
“Sport can heal many problems and I’d like to think that football can play its part in this country. It needs all the help it can get.”
Striker Craig Bellamy, who trained tonight as he continued his recovery from a twisted ankle, could be involved in tomorrow’s game.
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