Denny Gropper marked his Maccabi league debut and second appearance since joining the club in the summer with a solid performance in the 4-0 victory over Hapoel Petah Tikva.
Gropper came close to score on his debut but was denied by Petah Tikva’s keeper in the first, paid tribute to the newly promoted side when he said minutes after the match ended: “First of all, credit to Hapoel Petah Tikva, I think they play good football. But you can see that we came prepared and knew what we had to do, and in the end that is reflected in the result.”
Despite Maccabi’s 100% record and the fact his side scored four goals in each of the opening three league matches, Gropper didn’t let himself get carried away as he insisted: “We don’t pay attention to what’s being said outside. We know what we want from ourselves, we’re working hard for it, and for now you can see it.”
The former Ludogorets full-back who returned to Israel after playing several years in Bulgaria, reflected: “Yes, I came back to Israel, to Maccabi. I came back to the biggest club. I see it everywhere we go, in the training complex, in the stadiums, with our fans. It’s great fun to be here, a lot of excitement. I’m happy to make my league debut.”
“I had other options, also in Europe. There wasn’t anything I could say was better than
Maccabi Tel Aviv. I was happy to come here. Maccabi showed me they wanted me. They spoke to me a lot, I think I made the right decision and I’m happy to be here.”
On the tough competition for places in the squad, Gropper said: “I know that at Maccabi there is competition for every spot in the squad, certainly in the starting lineup. I’m here to work hard for the club and to do what’s needed. I got feedback from the coach and the club about the effort I’m putting in, even though I played less at the beginning. I’m here to work.”
