Maccabi reclaimed top spot after recording a 5-0 victory away to Hapoel Ramat Gan.
“It was a very strong performance from start to finish,” Miller said after the match. “We scored early and created plenty of chances. It’s great to get back to winning ways after Thursday’s disappointing result.”
Asked about the challenge of preparing his side just three days after the derby defeat, Miller said, “That’s football. That’s life at this level. You want to be involved in the big games and compete for trophies. Unfortunately, we fell short on Thursday, but we had three days to prepare for another important game. If you want to be successful and challenge for the title, you have to come out and win games like this after a disappointing result. We did that really well tonight.”
Miller also spoke about his attacking players and Ester Sokler’s brace. “Dor Peretz put in another strong performance as part of an excellent team display. Elad Madmon gave us 55 really good minutes and scored. Sokler came on when the game had opened up a bit, scored twice and could have had more.”
Asked why he was still so animated on the touchline in the closing stages, Miller explained, “I always want to keep pushing. Whatever the score, I don’t want us to get complacent or let our standards drop. It’s important that we keep playing at the highest level we can right up to the final whistle.”
Looking ahead to Friday’s match, the last before the international break, Miller said, “We’re top of the league, we’re unbeaten in it and we’re playing some very good football. But we can’t let up or get complacent. Our focus has to be on the next challenge on Friday.”
At the end of the match, Maccabi’s Head Coach Kenny Miller, and midfielder Itamar Noy faced the TV cameras and reflected on the convincing display.
“The feeling is excellent. I’m happy we managed to bounce back and put in a good performance after the last match,” Noy said. “Returning to the top of the table is very, very important, and it’s a great feeling.”
On his coach’s energy on the touchline and the team’s hunger, the 25-year-old added: “Our training sessions are at a very high level, and you can see our approach reflected on the pitch. Kenny’s hunger rubs off on us. He constantly talks to us about being clinical and finishing our chances. We always want more goals and assists, and we want everyone to get their name on the scoresheet.”
Noy, who started the match for the first time in a while, added: “My aim is to be ready for every opportunity. I’m happy I had a good game, and whenever I’m needed, I’ll be ready and give my maximum to help the team.”
Finally, when asked whether Maccabi are the best team in the league, Noy answered confidently: “Absolutely”.
