Ion Nicolaescu, who celebrated his first league start for Maccabi with a debut goal in Sunday’s 4–0 victory over Maccabi Netanya, shared his feelings after the match:
Itamar Noy, who came on as a second half substitute and scored his first goal for Maccabi, said after the match: “This is the best feeling there is. I waited for this a long time, dreamed about it a lot. I supposedly started from a lower place, from Hapoel Haifa, but I took it step by step. I don’t see it as a weakness, on the contrary. I expect us to do great things. I don’t know if I’m a Cinderella story, I work hard, I believe in myself and aim to get as far as I can. I hope this is only the beginning.”
The midfielder, who joined Maccabi from Hapoel Haifa in the summer, spoke about the competition for places and a strong midfield: “There’s good competition, everyone is an excellent player. There’s a very wide selection. Especially with our European season, there are many matches, and it pushes all of us to be at the highest level. If you don’t perform at your best, there are plenty of good players. It makes us improve, to keep pushing ourselves forward again and again.”
On his relationship with coach Zarko Lazetic, Noy said:
“I am new here, but I’ve been given quite a few opportunities and I have settled in well. I feel his support; he is always talking to me, guiding me, helping me integrate as best as possible. I’m really happy about that.”
On the targets he set himself at Maccabi, Noy added: “I always aim to reach the best and highest level possible. For me, Maccabi Tel Aviv is the best. I want to train with the best players, the best staff, and improve as much as I can. I know there’s competition, I am not looking for comfort or guarantees to play. I want to improve, to progress. Competition is a good thing. When Maccabi Tel Aviv makes you an offer, you don’t say no. It’s always been my dream, and I’m happy it came true.”
