On Maccabi concentrating on the domestic competitions over the coming month, Peretz said: “First of all, the European experience is a blessing, being in that competition and facing teams like that. In a month like this, we have time to work on things that we don’t always manage to fit into the schedule. Physically, it’s a chance to recover and arrive at every match as prepared as possible, and to look our very best.”
“We are Maccabi, we understand that alongside all the challenges, the heavy defeats and a certain shake-up, we are here until the end and we want a trophy at the end of this season. To achieve that, there is no option to give up at any stage. As players and as management, we’ve understood thereus one objective, and we need to go all the way to the end of the season as strong as possible. In challenging moments like these, we move forward together, the staff and the coach. The win against Hapoel Haifa showed a lot of character and also good quality. Now we’re entering a focused run in the league and the cup.”
On the feeling within the camp, Maccabi’s captain added: “There is a very united and positive dressing room. What went out externally doesn’t reflect what’s happening inside, it’s part of a team’s dynamics. We all want the same thing; sometimes there are misunderstandings and different perspectives, and that’s okay as long as you know how to resolve things properly. We’re all here for the same goal.”
On Petah Tikva that had their six match unbeaten run end last week with a 4-0 defeat to Hapoel Tel Aviv, the same result Maccabi beat them in the previous round, Peretz said: “No one is confused by Petah Tikva’s position in the table, everyone respects them. Our preparation is based on their quality, and we’ll prepare properly to show the best version of Maccabi.”
“A win tomorrow can give us good feelings and positive energy for the rest of the month ahead, and that would be great for us,” he added.
On his personal recent form, Peretz, who scored 9 goals in all comepetitions this season, said: “What I bring isn’t measured only by numbers. It’s a challenge to take in the bigger picture. Some players are judged by whether they scored or not, I am not driven by that. It’s a bonus. There’s a very big responsibility that comes with it. I want to push the team even further forward; when the team wins, I feel that I’m part of that”.
