Two days before the 2026/27 campaign gets underway and the Super Cup becomes the first domestic trophy on offer, Maccabi’s captain Dor Peretz faced the media. The 31-year-old midfielder who signed a new contract and will lead his teammates against Hapoel Be’ersheva at Turner. Peretz, who still has a vivid memory from the last time both teams met in the State Cup final at Teddy seven weeks ago, spoke of the process which led to him signing the new contract, his connection with Head Coach Kenny Miller and his expectations ahead of the seasons.
On his decision to continue at Maccabi and reject offers from abroad, Peretz said: “The main point is that I am here, and I am very happy to be here.” Peretz admitted that he went through a certain decision-making process together with the club: “I am very happy that the club saw the right things in me. We weighed everything up and understood what Maccabi Tel Aviv means to us. For me, this place is the highest level.”
Peretz admitted that his decision was influenced by the appointment of Kenny Miller as Head Coach: “We have a very special relationship. He knows how to lead the team in the right direction and with strong values. Knowing that there is someone here to walk alongside this season definitely had an impact on me.”
With regards to Maccabi’s first return to Be’ersheva since the 4-2 defeat in May which crowned the hosts as Champions, Peretz and in view of a match which could win Maccabi a trophy but also secure a place in the Toto Cup semi final: “We treat it with respect and want to win every trophy we possibly can. I think we will be able to become more consistent, particularly in our collective defending. That will take us to a much higher level professionally.”
On the building of the squad which has so far seen Peretz reunited with Dan Glazer, he said: “We have a group of players here from last season who are at a very high level. Together, we managed to win the Cup and overcome challenges. We need reinforcements in order to push forward this season and move towards the targets we have set ourselves.”
Finally, when asked what he still hopes to achieve at Maccabi, the captain replied emphatically: “To win another league title, another Cup and more trophies. Seeing more players blossom and excel at this club would make me very happy.”
