Matthäus on a mission at Netanya

Lothar Matthäus is targeting success at home and abroad with Israel's Maccabi Netanyfa FC in 2008/09. The 47-year-old German 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. 

Aside from trying to topple Beitar and claim the club's first title since 1983, the legendary midfielder 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 Matthäus, 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."