Vladimir Ivic, the Maccabi Tel Aviv Head Coach ad striker Yonatan Cohen looked ahead to Saturday afternoon’s (16:00) Matchday 24 contest against Maccabi Petah Tikva at the Netanya Stadium. The club will be wearing the 1984/85 Retro Kit and will be honoring the memory of Avi Cohen:

“Over the last few days I’ve heard many stories about Avi Cohen. I understand that he was a legend and I heard the stories of his playing time both here in Israel and abroad. It’s important that a club like Maccabi honors its legends. It will be an honor for all of us to be at the match and remember the legacy of such a great. It’s a good message to our players as his career shows them that anything is possible.”

About Petah Tikva:
“We’re playing against a club that took two points from us. It will be a tough match as they are a team that are not in a good position on the table and they will battle for the points. We have to be prepared to work hard in order to take home the win.”

Focus and fight:
“I’m concentrating on this season. We still haven’t done anything and that means we still have to work hard in order to win the next match and the State Cup as well. I’m not calm and I don’t like being that way. Even if we reach those targets will will fight until the end. That’s the way I am and that’s how I want my players to be.”

Yonatan Cohen: “I heard many stories about Avi”

Yonatan Cohen whose father Miki played with Avi Cohen spoke about the Maccabi legend: “I heard many stories about Avi and he’s a very important person to this club. We’re happy that e can honor his memory this coming Saturday.”

About the upcoming match:
“We are coming into the match like any other, to collets the 3 points with the goal to win. We are coming to do what we have to.”

Potentially winning the Treble:
“It’s the dream of every player who has grown up through the ranks of Maccabi to win titles. We are preparing from match to match by firs we are just focusing on the match against Petah Tikva on Saturday.”

Connection with Eliran Atar:
“Just a few seasons ago I was in the stands and I admired him. It’s great to play with him and he’s a friend off of the pitch. Whatever happens on the pitch is up to the coach and we are all here to help him win the goal scoring title.”

The dressing room:
“I don’t know what it’s like at other clubs but I do know that our dressing room is very strong. This is due to the classes and the staff who help us get together off of the pitch as well. You can see how close we are as team and the proof is on the pitch.”