Category: News

Piven: “I’m happy the club relies on me; I want to continue to improve”

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Shahar Piven, Maccabi Tel Aviv’s young central defender looked ahead to Sunday night’s Israel Premier League Ligat Japanika clash at Kiryat Shemona (20:15) while also looking at his own performance:

I’ve been in the Starting XI over the last few matches and the battle to get a place in the squad is very difficult. This is a daily battle and it’s great that it is. I feel great playing with my teammates and I’m learning a tremendous amount. It’s just a great opportunity to both play and train with these types of players.”

Returning from loan:
“Every player has his own journey. After playing for the Under-19 side I was loaned for a year and a half and it was the best thing for me. I always believed in myself and that I would return to Maccabi. I’m happy that I returned this season and it’s a dream come true for myself and I’ll continue to work hard exactly for this.”

Has it been easy for Maccabi this season:
“It hasn’t been easy. We began our matches well recently and it may look easy but beforehand we had to really work hard and the opponents came ready to play against us. We have a very tough game, they are an excellent team which hasn’t lost at home and they also have a quality defense. We’re not underestimating them.”

About the team off of the pitch:
“I don’t know what it was like in the last but I do know that right now we have a very hungry team that wants to win titles and succeed. It’s a mixture of young and experienced players. Even when I didn’t play or when others did play we all want everyone to succeed.”

Personal goals:
“To become a starter at Maccabi Tel Aviv. I’m very happy with the opportunity I’ve been given and that the club relies on me. I want to play as much as I can this season and continue to improve.”

Ivic: “I’m happy as to how the players battle for a place in the squad”

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Maccabi Tel Aviv will head to Kiryat Shemona on Sunday at 20:15 for an Israel Premier League Ligat Japanika Matchday 10 clash and the Head Coach Vladimir Ivic spoke about the goals ahead of the contest:

“The goal is to take 3 points. I agree that it will be a difficult match against the third place team. They have given up only 5 goals and that says that they are a serious team. The pitch may be smaller than usual and we are expecting a tough match and we’ve been preparing all week for this. We want to finish this part of the season with a win.”

The situation on the table:
“I said after last match that I don’t know of a team who won the title in November. We have to work hard and even harder. It’s more difficult to stay where we are on the table than to actually get there. Everyone wants to defeat you when you’re in first place and we have to first concentrate on ourselves and that is our way. There is no other way.”

Players called up for the National Team:
“This is great for us that we have so many players on the National Team and that says they appreciate us. We’re all proud. Perhaps the break will be more difficult for us as we can’t go out to a short training camp because we have a short squad. I’ve said many times that I’m happy that we have players on the National Team and that means they are working hard and that they deserve to be in the squad amongst the best players in the country.”

Impression of the league:
“There are many good teams and clubs that play disciplined football. I don’t know what will be in the future but until now this is not a weak league. There are players here who can play in bigger leagues and my opinion so far is good. Every country wants to improve their league and I think that Israel is on the right track.”

Competition in the squad:
“It’s good for any coach that they have many players in good shape. I agree that sometimes it creates a headache to decide who will be in the squad or the Starting XI and I have this headache every week. I’m happy how the players battle for a spot and that’s the way we will be able to keep our position on the table.”

Squad status:
“Eitan Tibi and Ofir Davidzada aren’t fit for the upcoming match and I hope that they will be back soon with us.”

Tzarfati: “We played a good second half and I’m optimistic”

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Guy Tzarfati, the Under-19 Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv Coach looked back at his squad’s 1:1 draw at Sigma Olomouc in the first leg of second round UEFA Youth Champions League action:

“In short, this was a good result. We played against a good team at their home and we had a long trip to get here which wasn’t easy with bus rides and getting to the hotel late. It was great that we had a good second half and that was very good to see the players perform well both individually and as a team. We were able to draw even at 1:1 and now we have three weeks to get ready for the return leg. This was just the first half and the second half awaits us.”

About the match:
“We gave too much respect at the start of the match to both the tournament we are in and the opponent. We made some mistakes in the middle of our defense that allowed them some chances. Our keeper Or Itzhak made some saves that helped them out along with the bar saving a goal. But we played a good second half and I’m optimistic. I explained to them that when we played our football and our system that we’ve played in the past there’s no question that we couldn’t go forward and create chances. I’m happy that we were able to do that as the guys are young and play with passion.”

Showing their quality:
“I told them before the match it doesn’t matter who we are playing but we have to show our qualities and I’m happy that we were able to do that in the second half and that we scored a goal. In fact, during our best minutes we actually gave up a goal. But we knew how to comeback as the substitutes knew their roles and now we’ll head back to Israel and we have enough time to prepare properly for the next match.”

Mufleh Shalata’s goal:
“I believe he made a nice play to score the goal. He came into the match properly and we knew that he would be a substitute who could give us a goal. He works hard and I’m happy for him along with the other players.”

The importance of the fans:
“I hope that the Maccabi fans will come out to see the young players and how they play as they are the future of the team and the club. I know we didn’t disappoint them the last time they came to see us play. We will really need them when we play against Sigma at Ramle as they are a good team. We played here in front of a good crowd that helped their team and I hope that will be the same case in Ramle to help us advance to the next stage.”

See you in Ramle: Maccabi “Shachar” 1:1 Sigma Olomouc

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The Under-19 squad continued their European Journey today in the Czech Republic when they played Sigma Olomouc to a 1:1 draw. The match was the first leg of a two legged UEFA Youth Champions League tie for Maccabi “Shachar” after they disposed of Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala in the first round. The return leg will take place in Israel on November 28.

צפו: תקציר משחק ה-1:1 נגד סיגמה אולומוץ

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv Starting XI: Or Itzhak, Michael Chilaka, Amit Glazer, Alon Shtrozberg, Dan Lugassi, Ido Shahar, Yoav Hofmayster, Omer Barami, Rave Assayag, Eduardo Guerrero and Eyal Hen.
First Half
The Czech side opened well and had a pair of terrific chances to take the lead as Zifčák and Zlatohlávek had opportunities but Itzhak made the big save off the latter to keep the match goalless early on. Lugassi was issued a yellow card in the 16’ after a foul on Zifčák in the 16’ while five minutes later the young Yellow & Blue had their first chance of the contest when Assayag missed the target off a Hofmayster corner.

Sigma threatened Itzhak’s goal in the 27’ but Galus’s chance from 10 meters went out and three minutes later Zifčák again missed the target. Barami tried his luck in the 35’ but his shot went into the Czech defense as the match remained goalless into the break.

Second Half
Maccabi’s first chance of the second half came in the 55’ when Guerrero went from right to left but his left footed shot just went by the post and out. Two minutes later, Hofmayster lifted a ball to Barami but his header went over the goal and in the 63’ Mufleh Shalata came into the match in favor of Hen.

But five minutes later the host’s took a 1:0 lead as Langer got the ball to Zima in the box as the central defender headed home the goal. Maccabi then made a number of substitutes as the Yellow & Blue looked for the equalizer and a valuable away goal. As the match neared it’s end Bar Cohen took an attempt from 20 meter but the keeper made the stop in the 82’.

However, the Maccabi pressure paid off and in the 87’ Shalata made his way by three players and took a left footed shot from 13 meters which beat the Sigma keeper to draw the Yellow & Blue even at 1:1. Guy Tzarfati’s side will return to Israel with an away goal and a chance to advance to the next round when they meet Sigma Olomouc at home in November 27 in the second leg of the two-legged tie.

48 Hour Sale: Israel’s Shopping Holiday Begins

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Maccabi Tel Aviv is once again taking part in Israel’s Shopping Holiday, ShoppingIL and you’re the ones who will be the big winners. Beginning right now for the next 48 hours you’ll be able to join the tens of thousands of Israelis who will be enjoying unbelievable deals online.

What can you find? Over the next two days, November 7-8, there will be 8 amazing Yellow & Blue items that will be discounted up to 60% off. They’re already waiting for you at the Club’s Official Online Shop so why are you waiting?

Tzarfati: “We want the tie to be decided at home”

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The Under-19 squads European Journey continues when they play Sigma Olomouc on Wednesday at 17:00 Israel time in the Czech Republic. The match will be the first leg of a two legged UEFA Youth Champions League tie for Maccabi “Shachar” after they disposed of Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala in the first round. Head Coach Guy Tzarfati’s team continued their preparations in earnest for the contest as they held their final training session ahead of the match at the Andruv Stadion.

After arriving in Prague earlier in the day, the team travelled to the city of Olomouc and following a short rest, the squad went to the stadium for their training session as Tzarfati looked ahead to tomorrow’s contest:

דיווח מצ׳כיה של הנוער לקראת סיגמה אולומוץ

“We’re playing against a team that also advanced to the stage and they did so admirably. This will be a tough match but we enjoy challenges. I hope that we can record a good result in the first half which is in essence the first leg.”

Recording a good result in the first leg:
“Every time when there is a two legged tie it’s always important to get a good result in the first leg. Of course this is an away match and it’s always good to play the decisive match at home, but what’s important right now is the first leg and what will be on the pitch here. I hope we can bring home a good result.”

About Sigma Olomouc:
“They are a very good team and have four players who also play for the first team with them who are playing especially in the Champions League contests. They are quality players, string and have proper technique. They also have some dynamic attackers who scored in the first two games. We will have to put an emphasis on set pieces as their is a gap between us and other cubs in Europe. However, we can counter this tactically and with determination. Those are some of the factors we need to bring into the match.”

Final thoughts:
“The hope is that we can play well, look good and bring home a good result so that the tie can be decided back in Israel.”

Ticket Sales Ashdod Chanukah Home Match

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Do you have any plans for Chanukah? Just as the holiday begins Maccabi Tel Aviv host’s Ashdod on Tuesday December 4th at 20:30 (18:00) In Israel Premier League Ligat Japanika action. Tickets are on sale now via the Leaan Website, the Leaan Ticket Office located at 42 Frishman Street, Tel Aviv and via Telephone *8780.

You may purchase tickets on the Leaan Website by using the User ID and password. If you do know one or both of those details please send an email to support@leaan.co.il.

Home printing is available
Please note: Entrance to the parking lots around the stadium are with 2018/19 permits only. There are still and few permits left and can be purchased for the remainder of the season.

Ticket Prices
Leaan Ticket Office
Youth/Soldier/Women – (Sections 108-109, 208-209 only) – 50 NIS
Lower East Stand – 100 NIS
West Stand – 100 NIS
E+ – 220 NIS
Silver Section – 350 NIS

Phone/Leaan Website
Youth/Soldier/Women – (Sections 108-109, 208-209 only) – 55 NIS
Lower East Stand – 105 NIS
West Stand – 105 NIS
E+ – 225 NIS
Silver Section – 355 NIS

Youth/Soldier/Women tickets are available for purchase by telephone only after identification.

Ticket Collection
Tickets may be collected at the Leaan Ticket Office located at 42 Frishman Street, Tel Aviv between Sunday-Thursday 09:00-19:00, Friday 09:00-13:30.
Tickets may be collected on Matchday at the Stadium ticket windows beginning 3 hours prior to the match until 45 minutes after the start of the match.

The “Thinking about Tomorrow” Project gets Underway

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A Footballers career is generally short and it’s important to plan ahead for the day after and that’s exactly what the goal of Maccabi Tel Aviv’s new project “Thinking about Tomorrow”.

The project enables the club’s players information about options concerning various fields and ventures to enter into in the world outside of the field of play. Throughout the year, the players will participate in a series of lectures and presentations about various topics and subjects.

Today, Tuesday, Dor Peretz, Ofir Davidzada, Itay Shechter, Shahar Piven, Eliran Atar, Avi Rikan and Eyal Golasa arrived at the offices of one of the club’s sponsors the B.S.R. Group. The players listened intently to Nachshon Kivity, the Chairman and Owner of the B.S.R. Group one of the leading real estate companies in Israel who relayed information related to the field in which he specializes.

Avi Rikan spoke about the project’s importance:
“It’s a privilege for us to come and here from the head of the B.S.R. Group, a company who has proven to be a leader in their field for last number of years as we are always trying to strengthen the connection with those who are on our kits and our shorts. This will also help us understand what type of options we have once our playing careers are over, a career that is very short. It’s fun and exciting to be able to visit and hear the tips and ideas that we may be able to do later on.”

About the season to date:
“Every week we say that we are dependent on ourselves. We go into every match with the feeling that if we do what we need to then we will always be dependent on our own play. But we also have to prepare for the opponents properly and we must be ready to go against Kiryat Shemona. We have a tough match at a tough stadium. We are preparing properly for a tough battle.”

Fighting for a spot in the lineup:
“There are always changes, sometimes more and sometimes less. I started and scored against Hapoel Haifa and the next week I was on the bench. It’s a challenge for everyone as we all train very hard to prove that we are worthy of a place. But we all know that we need each other until the end of the season. It’s a long campaign and the State Cup is coming up so everyone needs to be ready. The fact that we have to fight for a place in the squad is good for the club. We will do this until the end of the season.”

The State Cup match against Beitar Jerusalem:
“Since we are discussing a Cup match that will only be played near the end of next month that means it’s a competition that we will have to focus on big clubs and good teams. We will have to deal with a match like this earlier than later. But the most important match for us right now is Sunday’s as we want to go out on break with the points and a good feeling as well.”