Roy Revivo delivered two assists to take his tally to 11 this season and added a goal to lead Maccabi to an emphatic 4-0 victory over Hapoel Petah Tikva. The 22-year-old full back related to the complex few days the club underwent since the defeat to Beitar Jerusalem and the departure of Head Coach Ronny Deila: “We went through three not-so-simple days. To be honest, it was a bit frustrating because Ronny was a coach who was very connected to the players and many liked him.” Despite that, the defender emphasized the squad’s professionalism: “Football is dynamic, a lot of things happen and we need to move forward and play. There’s no choice.”
On work under Kenny Miller, who stepped up from the role of assistant coach to interim head coach, and led the team to victory, Revivo said: “I really like Kenny regardless of the situation. I think he has that passion that makes us want to fight for him and give everything on the pitch, and I think we saw that today.”
Shortly before the halftime whistle Tyrese Asante was assisted by Revivo for Maccabi’s second goal, as he revealed: “He told me he wanted me to just touch the ball and then he would shoot. I told him ‘no’, because I saw the space open-up and decided in that moment that he should shoot. I know he has a good strike and I’m happy for him.”
When asked about his attacking contribution Revivo remained modest: “Thank God, I try to help the team. I am a defender, and assists and goals are my bonus.”
Now, the focus of Maccabi is already on the big derby against Hapoel Tel Aviv on Saturday: “We prepare for the derby like any other match, maybe even a bit more, because, like you said, a derby is a derby, and that’s everything.”
