Training sessions for the Maccabi Tel Aviv “Avi Cohen” Youth Academy 2018/19 season will get underway this coming Saturday as the Under-19 and Under-17 teams will be the first representatives to get back onto the pitches. The Maccabi “Shachar” keeper, Daniel Peretz began training a few weeks ago when he went with the First Team to their preseason camp in Poland. After returning to Israel, Peretz spoke about the experience from the hard work, to the terrific conditions and the opportunity to train with the First Team as he looks to help the Under-19’s win the League Championship for the second straight season.
Summing up the experience of attending the First Team training camp in Poland:
“From a professional point of view it was a very challenging experience and the level of the training sessions were very high. The professional conditions at the camp were excellent from the schedule, nutrition, workout room, ice baths etc…I felt as if I advanced and improved.”
About being an Under-19 player and the youngest in the camp:
“This was actually my second camp where I was the youngest and last season I was trying to figure out how I would fit in. This year, I came into camp much more confident and from a professional standpoint I improved tremendously from last year. On a social level I also felt much more a part of the team and that was due to the players.”
The advantages of having the opportunity to be a part of the training camp:
“I didn’t take it for granted and personally it was very important for me to train with the First Team as it gives me an indication as to how I am compared to the other players at this level. It gives me a taste as to what it’s like to be a professional with conditions that aren’t available anywhere else, along with a professional staff and facilities at a very high level. Every little thing was an experience in itself at the camp.”
Being more prepared for the upcoming campaign:
“I feel that I am well prepared for the new season. Firstly, I am coming with more experience than last season as we went through a lot last year with the Youth team. I also feel that I have improved physically, mentally and professionally. In my opinion, the fact that I started the season a month ago is an advantage.”
Expectations for the new season:
“As a Club we are part of Maccabi Tel Aviv and that means we strive for every available title. The first expectation is to win the league championship again that we won last season. Also, this year we will begin playing Champions League qualification matches and we want to go as far as we can. We want to take the State Cup this season after we were eliminated early on last year and we are very motivated to bring the trophy back home. On a personal level, I’d like to continue to be a part of the First Team and to also let in fewer goals.”
