Maccabi Tel Aviv continued their positive momentum as did their Icelandic striker Vidar Kjartansson with a brace to help the Yellow & Blue to the win. The Icelander spoke about the club’s belief in itself over the last few games, being content at Maccabi and when you get results, everyone plays better. WATCH:
Category: News
Itzhaki: “It’s great to score and it opened the match up”
Barak Itzhaki may not have been in the Starting XI, but number 10 in Yellow & Blue scored the decisive goal. After coming off the bench, the striker found the winner in Maccabi’s 3:0 victory over Maccabi Netanya and spoke about the contest from his point of view:
“It’s great to score. We knew that this was a very important match. We already played them and they made our lives very difficult. At the end of the day, the game was decided in the final minutes. I’m happy I scored and it opened the match up. These were 3 very important points.”
About his minutes:
“I started the last few matches, but I’m also not fully fit because I didn’t play much from the start of the season. I always say that I want to play more but I also have to be smart in order to take care of myself. Sometimes you have to do these things from the bench, but I’ve sent Jordi a message that I want to play as much as possible.”
Running to Carlos after the goal:
“I ran to Carlos and Dani Poyatos. They give us a lot of confidence and a lot of desire. They put in a lot during training just like they are players and they run even more than some of the players. They both believe in me, so I’m happy.”
About Beer Sheva losing points:
“We’re not interested in what happens with other clubs, just what happens with us. I’m happy as to how we have played recently and we are playing well. We are winning and it should continue that way. If we do continue that way, we won’t have to look at the other clubs. I believed that we were a good club from the beginning of the year. Now there’s the transfer window, we will see what will be, but I hope we will continue as to how we are playing over the last while.”
Cruyff: “We can’t think long term; just focus on the next game and continue to improve”
Jordi Cruyff, the Yellow & Blue boss addressed the media following his club’s 3:0 win over Maccabi Netanya on Matchday 17 of the Israel Premier League Ligat Ha’Al. He began by speaking about pulling within 2 points of first place Beer Sheva:
“I’d make a mistake if I said my personal thoughts on that. We can’t think about long term things and titles, but only the next game. We have to just focus on the next game.”
The match that was:
“We got into things that doesn’t help our football. Focus, ball possession and play fast but we did the opposite. We said to relax at halftime, be patient and look for the opportunities. Last time we played with 10 men, we lost. We have to remember that Netanya played 120 minutes in the Cup and after 11 minutes they were down one player. We have to stay clam. We took the points and that’s what is most important.”
The Iceman:
“Vidar is player that when he scores a goal, he will get on a roll and when there is not much space he is the most clinical finisher, where there is a lot of space and we can play from the sides and cross him the ball. We will see if he will continue to shoot penalties. He’s good in the training.”
Game changer Barak Itzhaki:
“He played almost 90 minutes in the Cup and he’s a player that you have to take care of and he’s a guy that can open up matches like he did today with a vital goal that gave us the three points. It was an Itzhaki moment.”
Taking step by step:
“Step by step and game by game and not look forward. Just look ahead to the next game and next training. Talking doesn’t give you titles. We have to put our nose down and be aggressive. Let’s stick with it that way.”
About Sheran Yeini playing more as a defensive back than midfielder and Dor Peretz’s play:
“A lot of things you plan in June end up being the opposite with time. We like to play with 3 in the back sometimes but I didn’t think we’d be playing with it for so many games in a row. The team benefits from his power. Dor is sticking with it and has gained confidence. He didn’t have that at the beginning of the season and mainly it’s a switch in his mentality that now he’s able to do all the work that he needs to.”
Killing the game:
“I don’t think this what we call kill a game. We had possession but we still are struggling to score when we have our chances and that was the same case as against MMBE. We just have to keep improving.”
Looking ahead to the two games against Maccabi Haifa in the league and Cup:
“We will not make any lineup thinking about the Cup. We will play organized and will look to dominate. It’s a game the fans like and there is a lot of passion.”
Constant changes in football:
“Football constantly changes and you never know what will be as a coach. I always will try to do my job even if there are decisions for next year. I will always give my opinion like I’m here. I’m not thinking about anything else other than the next game.”
Possibility of Carlos Garcia becoming the head coach down the road:
“It’s still very difficult for players to get Pro licenses in Israel which I find to be very strange.”
Tal Ben Haim’s status:
“We are playing with three in the back but we are really playing with 2 central defenders. He’s a player that when he was with us last year and when we needed him most he was there and I will always remember that. He will have a chance to play as one of the players has a 5th yellow card. Tal Ben Haim is part of the club.”
Maccabi takes down Netanya 3:0
The Yellow & Blue collected 3 points and the 3:0 win over Maccabi Netanya on Matchday 17 of the Israel Premier League Ligat Ha’Al at the Netanya Stadium. Barak Itzhaki and Vidar Kjartansson with a brace scored second half goals to help Maccabi to the victory and pull to within 2 points of table leaders Hapoel Beer Sheva. Maccabi played with an extra man from the 11’ after Netanya’s Koby Mor pulled down Vidar in the box and was awarded a red card. Next Monday, Maccabi visits Sammy Ofer Stadium for a date with Maccabi Haifa.
Head Coach Jordi Cruyff’s Starting XI featured Serbian keeper Predrag Rajikovic, Eli Dasa, Jean-Sylvain Babin, Eitan Tibi, Captain Sheran Yeini, Dor Micha, Dor Peretz, Eyal Golasa, Avi Rikan, Nick Blackman and Vidar Kjartansson.
Available on the bench were keeper Daniel Tenenbaum, Jose Rodriguez, Barak Itzhaki, Aaron Schoenfeld, Tal Ben Haim, Ofir Davidzada, Cristian Battocchio.
First Half
The match began with back and forth action as each side tried pressing for a goal and it would be Maccabi with the first chance via penalty to score after Vidar was pulled down in the box by Koby Mor who was issued a red card for his efforts. However, the Icelandic striker’s spot kick was saved by Dani Amos to keep the contest goalless in the 13’.
Babin was handed a yellow card in the 20’ for a reckless tackle while two minutes later Vidar had another opportunity on goal but Amos was again up to the task. Micha picked up a yellow card in the 29’ and 3 minutes later Golasa’s attempt from the top left corner of the box hit the outside netting of the goal and went out.
In the 35’ Aviv Avraham took a shot from long distance but Rajiko pushed the ball out for a corner and in the 38’ Peretz was issued a yellow card for pushing Dia Saba down from behind as he made his way across midfield. Golasa’s attempt from 20 meters was saved by Amos and Micha sent Rikan a ball in the box who handed it off to Blackman but the Englishman put it over the bar as the half ended goalless.
Second Half
The Yellow & Blue looked to find the first goal of the contest and Vidar almost did just that, but his 46’ chance went over the goal, while 5 minutes later Tibi’s header off a Micha free kick also flew over the bar. Micha left Rikan a ball that he crossed to Vidar, but the Icelander’s opportunity just missed the goal by centimeters in the 54’ and 8 minutes later Rikan’s free kick was just parried away by Amos at the last second.
Barak Itzhaki came in for the aforementioned Rikan in the 64’ to try and freshen up the Maccabi attack and Dasa was issued a yellow card in the 73’. Yeini then made a terrific defensive play by swiping the ball away from Eran Levy in the box to keep the score as is. But the match didn’t remain 0:0 for much longer.
Golasa sent Itzhaki a tremendous pass to his left from just above the box as the veteran striker in turn slotted it behind a helpless Amos for a 1:0 Maccabi lead in the 75’. Cristian Battocchio then entered the match for Peretz a minute later as the Yellow & Blue looked to add to their lead. And add to their lead they would!
Dasa sent the Iceman a marvelous pass to put Vidar in a One on One situation against Amos that he easily took advantage of to take a 2:0 lead in the 83’. Blackman picked up a yellow card in the 87’ while Jose Rodriguez came on for Golasa. If you thought the party was over, you were mistaken as Rodriguez fed Kjartansson a masterful ball that the Icelandic striker put home for his second of the night in added time to put a bow on a 3:0 Maccabi win.
MATAN BALTAXA JOINS ACCO ON LOAN
Maccabi Tel Aviv FC reached an agreement with Hapoel Acco on a one-year long loan deal for Matan Baltaxa
Maccabi Tel Aviv CEO Ben Mansford told the club’s official website: “Matan signed for the Club last year and joined us in the summer on a 4 year contract. Matan has the potential to become a Maccabi player. Matan has developed well through training with the first team squad over the last few months. We feel now is the time for him to go and play regularly in the league. Matan will join Acco for the rest of the season. We look forward to watching his continued development there and welcoming him back to Maccabi next season”.
Ticket Sales Maccabi Haifa Away Match
Maccabi Tel Aviv will play Maccabi Haifa on Matchday 18 of the Israel Premier League Ligat Ha’Al on Monday January 15th, 21:00 at Sammy Ofer Stadium. Tickets are now on sale for season ticket holders until Thursday January 11th at 12:00 and each season ticket holder may purchase one ticket per seat that they own. Tickets will then go on sale to the general public.
Please Note: This match is part of the Points Allocation System and season ticket holders will receive 1 point for this contest while non-season ticket holders will receive .5 of a point. Make sure that when tickets are purchased via the Leaan Website, telephone or Leaan Ticket Office the season ticket number is used in order to receive full points. Should the purchase not be done by using the season ticket number points will not be allocated.
Should a ticket be purchased and the fan doesn’t attend the match, there will be no refunds and no points will be allocated.
Tickets are on sale via the Leaan Ticket Office located at 101 Dizengoff Street Tel Aviv, telephone *8780 and the Leaan Website.
Print at Home is available
Ticket prices
Maccabi Tel Aviv fans will be seated in South Section K.
Leaan Ticket Office:
Adult – 99 NIS
Youth/Soldier/Woman – 49.5 NIS
Telephone/Website:
Adult – 104 NIS
Youth/Soldier/Woman – 54.5 NIS
*Anyone presenting a discounted tickets to enter the stadium will need to show proof that they are entitled to the discount (youth, soldier etc…) Any fan that is not entitled will be ejected from the stadium and will not be able to purchase a ticket at full price.
Ticket Collection
Tickets may be collected at the Leaan Ticket Office located at 101 Dizengoff Street between Sunday-Thursday 09:00-19:00, Friday 09:00-13:30 and on Matchday until 12:00.
Tickets may be collected on Matchday at the Sammy Ofer Stadium South ticket windows beginning 3 hours prior to the match.
Past & Present, Yellow & Blue: The Checkered Kits Return
A club like Maccabi Tel Aviv is always looking to reach the newest heights of professionalism, but at the same time not forget the illustrious past that helped shape the club’s identity and outline its future. A past that includes the greatest magical moments that every Yellow & Blue fan grew up with.
סרטון רטרו
That’s exactly what was born during the 1995/96 season; images that were engraved in everyone’s memories. From Yevgeni Kashentsev’s winning goal in the Derby that painted the city Yellow & Blue, the comeback at Kiryat Eliezer that began thanks to Klinger, Nimni’s dramatic title clinching goal against Beitar Jerusalem and lifting the State Cup to compete the historical Double Season.
All of these pictures were accompanied by an element that became immortal: The Yellow & Blue Checkered Kits, that just like an electrical switch, activate your emotions and bring back the magical memories, taking you back to your childhood.
This evening a brand new tradition will flood you with emotions and magic that every Yellow & Blue fan will be able to feel.
Our 11 starters will ascend the steps from the stadium tunnel wearing those same checkered kits, retro uniforms from the 1995/96 season. For just a moment, perhaps for a fraction of a second, we will all feel a shiver throughout our bodies, remembering the great moments from that campaign and cheer on our Yellow & Blue heroes as they begin to create a new history.
The legends from the 1995/96 season will be at the stadium as well. You, our treasured fans will come full of power and song. The old with the new, the past with the present, to show your true Yellow & Blue colors proudly, loud and clear. The colors of the greatest, oldest and grandest club in the country.
“Into the goal the round ball goes, as the yellow moves with the blue, every shot, header or cross, they will give their life and soul. Maccabi is Yellow & Blue!
McClaren: “I’ll be a great ambassador for Maccabi”
Steve McClaren says goodbye to Maccabi
FILIPENKA JOINS ASHDOD ON LOAN
Maccabi Tel Aviv reached an agreement with Ashdod FC for Egor Filipenka to join them on loan for the rest of the season.
As part of the loan transaction, Maccabi also agreed an option to be able to extend Filipenka’s stay with the Club for the 2018/2019 season. 
Maccabi CEO Ben Mansford told the club official website: “Egor enjoys being part of the Maccabi family but ultimately at this stage of his career, Egor would like to be playing games week in and week out. We understand that desire and have agreed for him to go and play with Ashdod for the rest of the season. We will watch Egor there for the rest of the season and then we can discuss with Egor in the summer, whether it will be right for all sides for him to extend his time at the Club.”
Micha: “We’ll have to be at our best to take the 3 points”
Dor Micha, the Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder who just signed a new contract addressed the media ahead of tomorrow night’s Israel Premier League Ligat Ha’Al Matchday 17 clash against Maccabi Netanya. Number 15 spoke about a myriad of subjects including the National Team, Netanya and stating with the Yellow & Blue:
“The contract was discussed over the summer and I’m satisfied with my decision to stay at a club that has given me so much.”
Role on the pitch:
“It changes from match to match and I’ve moved around even when Tal Ben Chaim was here on the right but I’m capable of playing where I need to.”
Potentially going to play in Europe:
“You never know what will be next year even if I signed a contract. I have an out clause in case that chance comes.”
About Tal Ben Chaim’s move to the Czech Republic and his chance to play in Europe:
“Tal arrived at Prague injured and it took time to get into shape. But even at 26, I will be able to make the jump to a better league in Europe because the offers that I had weren’t ones that I wanted.”
Improving over the past month:
“If you take out the last match you can see that we have improved over the last month or so. That match was a Cup match and it’s always hard to get through as they are just different.”
The match against Netanya:
“Netanya has a unique way to play and they come to play football that will be wide open. We’ll have to be at our best to take the 3 points.”
Israel National Team:
“I’ve had a number of call-ups to the National Team and I haven’t played much but I am with my club and my coaches where I do play. I am doing the maximum and with a new coach perhaps it will happen. Of course it’s disappointing not to play.”
