Three days after suffering the first domestic defeat of the 2026/27 campaign losing the Toto Cup Final 2-3, league leaders Maccabi have a chance to return to winning ways as they face Hapoel Ramat Gan. After eight league matches Kenny Miller’s side are unbeaten and are top of the table with 20 points, one more than Hapoel Be’ersheva that play today and Hapoel Tel Aviv that play at the same time tomorrow.
Elad Madmon, who started upfront in the last two outings, faced the media at the pre-match Press Conference, reflecting on the derby defeat and the effects it might have going forward: “We wanted to win that trophy and come out victorious, but it didn’t happen, and these things happen in football,” he said. “Now we need to lift our heads. We have another match ahead of us, and we need to win and take all three points.”
After scoring a goal and adding an assist in the 6-2 victory over Hapoel Haifa, Madmon said: “We need to bring into the match against Ramat Gan what we’ve shown so far. We started the season really well and haven’t lost in the league yet. If we show the same qualities we’ve displayed up to now, I believe we’ll win the match and take all three points. That’s what we need to do.”
“The coach gives me confidence, and I feel much sharper”
Madmon spoke about the confidence and trust he has received from the coaching staff: “I feel very good about my current situation. The coach gives me confidence, and the fact is that in every match so far, he’s brought me on as one of the first substitutes and given me the minutes I deserve. Now I’ve started the last two matches, I feel much better and much sharper, and hopefully, God willing, I can continue like this in the next match.”
On the impact of working under Kenny Miller on a daily basis, he explained: “Since he arrived, he’s changed the way I think about positioning myself as a striker and how to finish in front of goal. We do a lot of finishing work in training, and it makes us much sharper. I can feel the difference in myself now, and I need to carry that into the upcoming matches.”
“Stay calm and play our game”
On facing an opponent which is expected to make life difficult and adopt a defensive approach: “So far, we’ve approached every match with the same game plan, and from what we’ve seen, it’s worked well for us. We need to approach this match with the same attitude, stay calm and not allow the passing minutes to put us under pressure.
“Ultimately, I believe we’ll create our chances. We need to remain calm, play our game, and I believe that in the end we’ll win.”
