Category: News

Tavernier: “I came to Maccabi to win trophies”

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Maccabi continued its perfect start to the 2026/27 League campaign with another emphatic 4-1 victory at Bloomfield stadium this time on Hapoel in the Tel Aviv derby. James Tavernier who recently joined Maccabi after 11 years with Glasgow Rangers where he played in 39 Old Firm derbies, spoke after his first Tel Aviv derby. “The truth is that immediately after the final whistle, I called my wife and told her that the atmosphere in the stadium was simply unbelievable,” Tavernier said shortly after the match. “I’ve experienced plenty of big atmospheres in Europe and at Ibrox as well, but Bloomfield produced an atmosphere unlike anything else, from the moment we went out for the warm-up until the end of the game. It certainly helps when you win, but the fans were amazing.”

On his decision to join Maccabi Tel Aviv, the 34-year-old full-back revealed what went on behind-the-scenes which led to his move: “Kenny Miller played a major role in it. He first called me while I was on a family vacation in America and presented the vision to me; A club that wants to win trophies, with a very passionate fanbase. After 11 years at Rangers, I was looking for a new challenge and wanted a place where I could continue fighting for trophies, which is something I’ve wanted since I was a kid. After a few weeks here, experiencing the club, the players and the fans, I am extremely happy with the choice I made.”

During the match, Tavernier was constantly directing his fellow teammates and firing up the fans as Tavernier said: “I bring a lot of experience onto the pitch, and Kenny wants me to bring that to the team, to organise, help the lads and direct them. We have conceded goals in our last two games that we shouldn’t have conceded, but it’s our responsibility to improve from the training ground to the matches. There’s a huge amount of hunger in this team, and you could see that from the players who came off the bench and made a big impact.”

Tavernier, who played for three seasons alongside Miller at Ibrox between 2015-2018, said on playing under his former teammate: “I played with him before and knew he was going to come into coaching. He always demanded the highest standards when he was a player, and that’s exactly what he brings with him now as a coach. His demand for excellence is his strength, and it works really well with the players.”

On adapting to playing at a complete different climate to Glasgow, Tavernier whose first match was played in the dessert climate of Be’ersheva before facing the Tel Aviv humidity, added: “I’ve played twice for 70 minutes in a short period of time, and today was much hotter and more humid than what I’m used to. Of course, I’ll improve and reach full match fitness as the games go by. As we move through the coming weeks, you’ll see me getting forward more and more down the wing, supporting the attack and joining the play further forward, while also maintaining a strong defensive foundation at the back.”

On the extensive media coverage back in the UK surrounding his move, Tavernier summed up: “What you see in the media abroad doesn’t do justice to what Israel is really like. From my experience so far, it’s a beautiful place with lovely people. My wife was here for a week and really enjoyed it, and my family will move here to live with me during the international break. I already can’t wait.”

Miller: “We wanted to do it in front of our amazing fans”

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Kenny Miller, who guided Maccabi to their fourth victory in the opening four league matches with a 4-1 victory in the derby said: “A fantastic performance. Our strong start to the season continues. The fans supported us from start to finish and we’re delighted. There were some moments when we weren’t at our best, but you can see that when we’re at our pace, we do things right. The chances came, and we deserved to win.”

Osher Davida, who scored the second goal in the 4-1 derby victory over Hapoel at Bloomfield which took Maccabi’s tally to four victories in four matches, said: “It’s the best feeling in the world. You can’t take winning four games for granted. On his goal celebration right in front of Hapoel’s stand, Davida added: “I have been doing it after every goal recently. It’s nothing special, I also did it against Maccabi Haifa and just continued with it. It wasn’t specifically because of this game. If I had scored at the other end, I would have done it toward the other side.”


On the guidelines the players received from Miller, Davida added: “The coach told us to stick to the game plan no matter what happened,” he continued. “We kept going and scored two more goals at the end through our game plan. I believed this is how we would start the season. We have one more game before the international break, and I hope and believe we’ll do it.”

Maccabi win derby 4-1

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Preview:

A week after the emphatic 4-1 victory away to Hapoel Be’ersheva that stretched their 100% league record, Maccabi returned to Bloomfield stadium for the first Tel Aviv derby of the 2026/27 season.

With nine points from the first three matches thanks to victories over Hapoel Jerusalem (5-2), Maccabi Haifa (3-1) and Be’ersheva (4-1), Kenny Miller’s side will aim to continue their goal spree against the arch city rivals. But while Maccabi has the best attacking record so far, they face the tightest defense in the league, as Hapoel have yet to concede a goal in their opening three league matches.

Miller made no changes to his starting line-up that looked so impressive at Turner stadium as Ofek Melika started in goal. James Tavernier who made his Maccabi debut at Be’ersheva started at right-back as the 34-year-old who played in 39 Old Firm derbies, received a first outing at Bloomfield for his first Tel Aviv derby. Ali Camara and Raz Shlomo lined-up as the two central defenders while Noam Ben Harosh completed Maccai’s defense at left back.

After impressing on his return at Be’ersheva, Gabi Kanichowsky, returned to Bloomfield stadium for the first time since returning to the club, as the 29-year-old joined Issouf Sissokho in the engine room for his 7th Tel Aviv derby. Maccabi’s leading goal-scorer Dor Peretz who scored six league goals and 10 in all competitions this season, was named at the top of the midfield trio and led the team out with the captain’s armband. Helio Varela, who scored the opener and added an assist at Be’ersheva together with Osher Davida who scored against Maccabi Haifa in the previous match, kept their place on the wings. Ester Sokler, whose brace at Turner opened his domestic account will aim to continue his good run of form. On the bench, Miller named goalkeeper Roi Mishpati, Tyrese Asante, Dan Glazer, Elad Madmon, Itamar Noy, Hisham Layous, Ido Shahar, Itai Ben Hamo and Ilay Ben Simon.

A packed Bloomfield stadium welcomed both sets of players onto the pitch as the wall of sound and sea of colour supplied the perfect backdrop for the derby. Seconds after referee David Fuxman got the match underway a pyrotechnics display from both sections caused a delay of a few minutes. When the smoke finally cleared and play resumed Maccabi’s dominance down the flanks with Osher Davida and Helio Varela tested Hapoel’s defense. In the 19th minute Maccabi translated their dominance to break the deadlock and take the lead. Varela received the ball down the left and as Marcus Coco charged in to challenge the Cape Verde winger slipped the ball to Noam Ben Harosh. The full back who made the overlap run sent a perfect cross into the path of Ester whose initial header was saved by Asaf Tzur. But Dor Peretz anticipated the rebound as Maccabi’s captain sent a glancing header Hapoel’s keeper could do nothing to deny the 31-year old his 11th goal this season.

Three minutes after the half hour mark and Hapoel were level as a counter attack left Stav Toriel unmarked before his left foot shot crept between Ofek Melika and the post to equalise. Hapoel’s celebrations didn’t last long as three minutes later Maccabi were back in front. Sokler sent a diagonal ball towards the far post before Hapoel’s full back Doron Leidner let it run not knowing that Davida was right behind him. The 25-year-old blasted his shot into the opposite top corner to restore Maccabi’s lead. In the 44th minute Maccabi had the ball in the back of the net for the third time as Varela once again tore down the left and sent a cross which Davida nodded to Sokler who volleyed home. But VAR intervened, called Fuxman to the screen and the goal was scratched off. Shortly after the fourth official raised sign and signalled eight minutes of added time, Varela raced down the left and was charged down by Torial who picked his second booking and was shown the red card.

Second half:

With no changes to either side at the restart Maccabi began the second period where they finished the first – pressure on Hapoel in an attempt to increase the lead. Five minutes after the restart Gabi Kanichowsky picked the ball on the edge of Hapoel’s box, slipped it for Peretz whose effort was blocked by Andrian Kraev. Ben Harosh tried a shot on 57 but his right foot shot sailed high over the crossbar.

Miller made his first change five minutes after the hour mark as he Sokler came off while Elad Madmon was ready to come on. But Fuxman decided that 10 seconds had gone as he didn’t allow Madmon to come on for another minute. In the 74th minute Varela tried curling a shot from the corner of the area but Tzur stretched himself to palm the ball away.

Miller made two more changes on 76 as James Tavernier and Davida bowed out to a standing ovation and were replaced by Tyrese Asante and Hisham Layous. Two minutes after his introduction Asante received the ball from Kanichowsky and unleashed a shot which was making it’s way under the crossbar but Tzur managed to turn it over. Maccabi secured the victory in the 88th minute as the two substitutes combined for the third. Madmon danced into the box before cutting the ball back for Layous who swept it home to make it 3-1. Kanichowsky came off to a standing ovation as he was replaced by Ido Shahar for the closing stages.

 

Azo joins Beitar Jerusalem on loan

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Maccabi Tel Aviv has reached an agreement for Ori Azo to join Beitar Jerusalem on loan for the 2026/27 season.

The 21-year-old winger spent the second half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Ashdod scoring 2 goals in 12 appearances. Azo returned to Ashdod for the 2025/26 campaign and scored two more goals in 15 appearances.

Azo will now continue his development with Beitar Jerusalem during the 2026/27 campaign.

Good luck, Ori

Andrade joins Sport Recife on loan

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Maccabi Tel Aviv has reached an agreement for Kervin Andrade to join Brazilian side Sport Club do Recife on loan for the 2026/27 season.

The 21-year-old Venezuelan midfielder joined Maccabi from Brazilian side Fortaleza Esporte Clube in August 2025. He made 38 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and helping Maccabi lift the State Cup.

Andrade also made eight appearances during Maccabi’s Europa League campaigns last season and this season.

Maccabi wishes Kervin success during his loan spell with Sport Recife.

Good luck, Kervin.

Ben Harush: “I will play in any position I’m asked to”

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Noam Ben Harush marked his 40th appearance for Maccabi in all competitions with a stern performance during the 4-1 victory away to Be’ersheva. Ben Harush, who joined Maccabi at the start of last last season from Hapoel Haifa, and normally operates as a right-back, played on the left side of defense in a match where Kenny Miller’s side steamrolled their opponents. Ben Harush was named by Miller as the replacement of Roy Revivo who was bought by Spanish side Elche while new signing James Tavernier stepped into the right-back role. When both teams met at Turner last season, Ben Harush featured as a central midfielder yet Maccabi ended up on the losing end. This time round, Maccabi convincingly beat Be’ersheva as Ben Harush reflected at the end: “4-1, that’s not something you take for granted. We feel great, we played really well. It’s so much fun to come back home and give the fans a good feeling, to drive home in the traffic with a good feeling. We’re ready for the derby.”

 

On his new position at Maccabi, Ben Harush said: “There have been a few other times when I’ve played in this position, including against Maccabi Haifa at Sammy Ofer and in Europe. I’ve played in this role before. Whatever position Maccabi ask me to play, I’ll play. Last year at Turner I played as a defensive midfielder and had a good game. Whatever position they give me, I’ll play. I felt great.”

On the effect Revivo’s departure might have on paving his way into the starting lineup, Ben Harush said: “As I said, I’ll take every opportunity I’m given with both hands and give everything I have in every training session and every game, and prove to my coach that I should be playing.”

As well as conceding the right-back position to Tavernier, Ben Harush also handed the veteran Englishman his number 2 jersey while he switched to 22. But the young full-back is more than happy to be able to learn from the former Rangers captain, as he summed up: “Like everyone else, I think he’s a high-level player. I can take it in the best possible way and learn from him.