Dor Peretz is Maccabi’s most experienced player in Zarko Lazetic’s squad as the skipper who recently marked his 400thappearance for the club featured in Tel Aviv derbies more than any of his teammates. The 30-year-old who was still a youth team player when Maccabi suffered their last defeat in a Tel Aviv derby more than 11 years ago back in April 2014. “If we stick to our game principles, keep our heads clear from all the crazy energy that will be on the pitch, we can do our part” Peretz said.
While Maccabi’s unbeaten run at derbies stretches for more than a decade, Peretz would like to see his side return to winning ways after four matches with a victory – two in the domestic league and two in the Europa League. “First and foremost, we want to win after two league matches without a victory,” he said. “It is a match with plenty of pride at stake and the will to win. As a team, we want to give our best in every match, and hopefully we will do that tomorrow. If we stick to the coach’s principles, keep a cool head amid the intense excitement on the field, and make the right decisions, I think we will complete our job.”
Following the promotion of Hapoel back to the top-flight after a year in the second division, Peretz is one of seven squad players who previously featured in Tel Aviv derbies. “We are doing everything we can to explain what the derby is and how important it is to us, to the club, and to the fans. Only derby experience truly shows how important it really is. I can say that there’s a team on the other side that looks good and is doing a solid job, and we need to take that very seriously and prepare just like for any other match.”
On the return of fans Gali and Ziv Berman, as well as Omri Miran who were released from captivity in Gaza, and the desire to bring them joy Peretz said: “I hope we can dedicate this moment to them. This week has been filled with incredibly joyful events on one hand, but also grief for families who are still hoping their children will return instead of having to bury them. Hopefully, we can dedicate a win to them.”
Peretz who scored this season seven goals in all competitions and was deputized in recent matches to a more forward role, added: “I’m here to serve the coach, and I’ll carry out any decision he makes. Of course, we can discuss what suits better or less, but I’m here to do everything I can to help the team. Whatever he decides, I am at his and the team’s service.”
