Dor Peretz scored one of the goals to lead Maccabi to a convincing first half display that culminated with a 3-0 victory over Maccabi Haifa at Bloomfield. Four days after the disappointing performance in the Tel Aviv derby, the 31-year-old captain tried explaining the turnaround his side has been through in such a short period of time. “Sometimes there are matches that are less good, and that’s okay, but today we came with exactly the qualities we want to show. I was happy to see the Maccabi Tel Aviv that we all want to be part of, hungry, aggressive, attacking and creative.”
As Maccabi recorded their third victory over Haifa in the space of one month, twice in the league and once in the State Cup, Peretz admitted: “Let’s be honest, it’s been a weaker season for Maccabi Haifa, but we need to focus on our own situation. I see a process we’re going through, even within the setbacks and the less good games. This is a team going through a development process, and I’m happy to be part of it.”
The captain whose contract runs out in the summer was once again asked about his future as he said: “I’m part of this club, it runs through my veins,” Peretz continued. “Right now I’m here and I’m all in, and whatever happens in the future will happen in the future.”
Despite narrowing the gap from leaders Hapoel Be’ersheva and second place Beitar Jerusalem that dropped points on Tuesday, Peretz didn’t hide his disappointment from the fact Maccabi are no longer part of the title race: “Of course there’s a feeling of disappointment. We started getting ourselves into the race and then slipped up at certain moments, and unfortunately, we’re no longer part of the battle. We’ve gone through a season full of ups and downs, but from this situation there’s only room to learn. The young players here are taking something huge for their careers from this process.”
Peretz who scored a staggering 19 goals in all competitions and 16 in the league, paid tribute to his teammates and interim Head Coach Kenny Miller as he summed up: “Everyone here really rallies around me and supports me. Everyone wants what’s best for me personally, and I want what’s best for the team, so I’m happy it’s like that.”
