Dor Peretz is completing his 10th full season at Maccabi Tel Aviv’s senior team. The 29-year-old midfielder who scored 10 league goals and a total of 17 in 48 appearances all competitions is enjoying the best form of his career.
Peretz, who is experienced at title races as his personal trophy cabinet already contains 4 domestic championships said ahead of the top of the table clash against Hapoel Be’ersheva: “We are enjoying the journey we’re going through as the process of coming together as a team and as a club. I think we’re managing to enjoy it despite the pressure. Ultimately, the end result is a something which is a result of the entire journey. It’s a long road, and we’re succeeding in enjoying it as well.”
As the tightest championship races in recent years sees Maccabi level on points with Be’ersheva with only two goals separating the two sides in the standings, Peretz reflected: “There have been battles, not as close as this one, but even last season when we arrived at Haifa’s Sammy Ofer stadium the gap could have narrowed. Every title race is full of emotions, pressure, and excitement. This season’s battle for the championship is particularly challenging and interesting. We’re here to give our best every day and enter this forthcoming match as best prepared as possible.”
In three encounters so far, Maccabi beat Be’ersheva 1-0 at Bloomfield and were held to a 2-2 draw at Turner in the regular season before recording a 3-1 victory in the Playoff at Turner in March. “It’s a game of wisdom” Peretz said ahead of the fourth and final match between the two this season. “Understanding how to play in such a match, when it’s filled with emotions and energy, knowing how to channel that in the right direction and force them to do the opposite. We are preparing as we do for every match. Of course, this is a special match, and our level of preparation ss as a team is very high.”
“This match will be very significant for both sides, and we want to continue the positive momentum we have against them,” he added. As Maccabi’s run-in includes three tough matches after Be’ersheva, a short trip to Maccabi Netanya on MD34 followed by another visit to Sammy Ofer where they face Maccabi Haifa before ending the season on MD36 at home against Beitar Jerusalem, Peretz said: “There are still many challenging matches ahead. The season isn’t over yet, but this game will inject a lot of energy and momentum for whoever wins it.”
On dealing with the pressure, at such matches, Peretz concluded: “In many matches this season, we were with a rope around our necks and had to get the points no matter what. I think I’m prepared, and we are prepared, for every match with maximum readiness. I believe the intelligence of the players will win the match, beyond just the ability on the pitch.”
