Dor Micha, who you chose as the October HISENSE Player of the Month joined the Maccabi-Cast to look back at the game that was while also looking ahead to today’s match against Alkmaar and Sunday’s contest versus Petach Tikva:

“It was very important for us to go over to the fans after the game and recognize the support that they gave us all match long, even when we were down. When you lose 2:0 in such an important game it really is so meaningful to have the fans behind you. It was very emotional and we wanted to give back to them and we will do the same in the future.”

Importance of the support:

“It definitely strengthens us to know that the fans are with us when we win and when we lose. Their support is unconditional.”

Consistency:

“The last month we haven’t been as consistent as we would have liked especially when we won in Holland and then dropped two league matches. But you know everything can change in a moment. We played well in the first half and from a professional side we’ve been fine.”

Going into the Alkmaar match:

“We have to take the losses in proportion and we can’t start saying that we are in trouble or that we are struggling. It’s never fun to lose especially in matches against Haifa and Beer Sheva but we can only go up from here. It makes the match on Thursday even that more critical for us both in Europe and in general. Hopefully we’ll be able to begin again anew with a good result.”

Getting the chance to play:

“In this type of team whenever you can get a chance to play and be in the Starting XI you have to take advantage of it because you know with one bad game you may be back on the bench once again. Anyone that gets an opportunity to play must grasp it with both hands and I hope I can continue to play well and that the coach keeps giving me credit.”

Opportunity to play:

“I’ve gone through this a number of times where I’ve been stuck on the bench. But I know how to handle it and what to do when I get my chance as everything can change in a split second. Everyone in the squad can get a chance at any moment and we all have to be ready.”

Importance of Thursday’s match:

“No question that this is the key game. If we win then the chances that we can move onto the next round increase. Any result other than a win will be an issue. We must win this game.”

Confidence:

“We go into every match full of confidence as we did when we played Zenit at home where we performed well for 70 minutes. When you defeat a team away and then play them at home it also gives you a boost of confidence.”

Lockerroom talk:

“We haven’t heard anything about problems or issues and whoever is saying these things has to know that it’s a bunch of nonsense. Anyone that knows us understands how strong a lockerroom we have and that has been so crucial for us these past few years. Nothing is changing that anytime soon.”

Maccabi Petach Tikva match:

“The match is very important as we want to go into the break with a good taste in our mouths with two wins, get back onto the winning track and it means that these matches are critical for us.”

Haris Medunjanin, Maccabi’s Bosnian midfielder discussed the upcoming Europa League clash against Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar. Number four spoke about the loss of some key players over the summer, being the favorite, the desire to win and if the Zenit match still has some effect on him:

“Of course you think about it sometimes, but it’s in the past. We got zero points for a good 75 minutes. The last fifteen minutes we gave up four goals and if we would have won that match then tomorrow’s game would have been totally different.”

The desire to win:

“It’s very difficult for me because we want to win every game. We played attacking football but we didn’t score and didn’t win. We came to win and even against Haifa we had ten chances but nothing went in. Sometimes you need luck for the ball to go in. Hopefully we will win tomorrow.”

On the recent league matches:

“We didn’t win so I’m not the same. I had some pain in my leg against Haifa but I didn’t want to use that as an excuse. I feel good right now and hopefully we will win and that is what is most important for the team.”

Maccabi possibly being the better side:

“If we play our game and we know what to do then yes. But being better on paper doesn’t count. In Europe if you defeat an opponent twice then we will show that we are better. We need to win to prove that we are better.”

Losing Zahavi, Garcia and Ziv over the summer:

“They were very important players for us. Eran scored so many goals and we had plenty of points. But we have to look at who we have now and we have to fight for our place. We can’t look into the past but when we don’t win then of course these questions come up, but we have some fine players and we will look to win.”

Shota Arveladze, the Yellow & Blue’s boss was present at the prematch press conference for tomorrow’s crucial Europa League Matchday Four encounter against AZ Alkmaar of Holland. The head coach discussed Thursday’s game, pressure, the defense and the Club’s recent run and if it has had an effect on the players:

“I don’t think so, if you look at the games we played, not. Of course the results can effect the mood and confidence but you have all seen how we played. We also did win the Toto Cup game. It doesn’t help at this time to lose but we know what to do and how to do it and we will continue to try and do our best.”

The defense:

“I have some questions marks as to how we play our defense. We need 11 players to defend and not just the defensive ones. We will work on it even harder than what we have done in the past. Over the games we have played we have done a good job but we also have to give credit to the opponents.”

About Tal Ben Chaim:

“We always give credit to our team and the players who can change a game and who work hard. We need 11 and not just one. We work together as a team. The relationship is good between the Maccabi coach and the best player. He is a great player and he wants to show that. But he’s a human being as well, sometimes we all have a bad day. If my words haven’t convinced anyone then ask him. We are all on the same page.”

Many matches:

“We have a really hard schedule. When most teams in the league have played only ten games we have played 35. Plus we have guys that play on their National Teams and they can’t get the rest and recovery that they need. Rotation is normal but within the rotation even if a player hasn’t played in the last three games he may not be fit. Players also have ups and downs. We see the players everyday and we check these things all the time even if it’s midnight. How they sleep, how they act and them we make a decision, right or wrong. Before the match the decision is always right.”

Pressure:

“There’s always pressure, league games, qualifying matches, Europa league, Toto Cup. There’s always pressure. This business is all about pressure.

Key game tomorrow:

“I think so. I believe that they will play the classic system that they have always done. I love the way that Alkmaar play, touch football. If you are not on top of them they can destroy anyone. Haris and I have both been there and have played there as well. At the end of the day, it’s a new game and a new challenge. We need to show what we can do. We always come out to play to be number one and to show who and what Maccabi Tel Aviv is.

Lior Timor and Shirly Bar Dayan bring you this week’s edition of the Maccabi-Cast as Tal Banin and Dor Micha join the show to talk all about the Yellow & Blue.

Tal Banin, one of the former Maccabi superstars and legendary players spoke about the team and how the Yellow & Blue fans know how to back the team through thick or thin:

“The Maccabi fans understand that the players and team have won so many titles and games over the past few years. Even though they may have lost a pair of matches they wanted to show how much they support them and how they are still behind them.”

Support during the good and not so good times:

“There’s no question that the fans can help the team when they are down. When the times are good it’s normal to cheer but when the times are rough it’s especially warming to have the fans really support the club.”

Stepping up:

“This is the time when the leaders have to show why they are leaders. When everything goes well it’s easy, but now is when the veterans have to step up. They all know the importance of the name Maccabi Tel Aviv and they will show why the club itself has been the leader in Israeli football. If you look at Hapoel Beer Sheva and Maccabi Haifa, Maccabi has been their role model over the past few seasons. With Mitch Goldhar and Jordi Cruyff, Maccabi has been able to change up the whole system and everyone now knows that this is the correct way to run a sports franchise in Israel.”

Preparing for the other teams:

“Maccabi has been just working on themselves over the past few years, but now may be the time when they have to take a step back and look at how Beer Sheva and Haifa have been playing and focus a bit on their game plan as well. When you have a player that can control the ball then perhaps you have to keep an eye on them. The other issue is that Maccabi also needs to play their best players and I’m not so sure that they have been doing that the past two matches.”

Rotation or no rotation:

“Some players can handle the amount of games and some players can come in to help out when those players need rest. Rotation or no rotation the whole squad needs to be playing, be it the new striker Vidar Kjartansson or Dor Micha.”

Favorites against Alkmaar?:

“Maccabi has advanced to the Champions League or Europa League group stages over the past few of years which no other Israeli team has done so they know how to handle pressure and also European opponents. As they were able to win in Holland they certainly have a chance in Israel with the fans supporting them. The players have to be able to know how to compete in two different competitions and a win in Europe can help out their morale in the league as well. So this is a very important contest for Maccabi Tel Aviv.”

Final thoughts on Thursday’s match:

“I hope that Maccabi can win and I wish them the best of luck on Thursday. They have been the team that has been changing the face of Israeli football.”

Dor Micha joined the program and looked back at the match that was and looked ahead to Thursday’s match against Alkmaar and Sunday’s contest versus Petach Tikva:

“It was very important for us to go over to the fans after the game and recognize the support that they gave us all match long, even when we were down. When you lose 2:0 in such an important game it really is so meaningful to have the fans behind you. It was very emotional and we wanted to give back to them and we will do the same in the future.”

Importance of the support:

“It definitely strengthens us to know that the fans are with us when we win and when we lose. Their support is unconditional.”

Consistency:

“The last month we haven’t been as consistent as we would have liked especially when we won in Holland and then dropped two league matches. But you know everything can change in a moment. We played well in the first half and from a professional side we’ve been fine.”

Going into the Alkmaar match:

“We have to take the losses in proportion and we can’t start saying that we are in trouble or that we are struggling. It’s never fun to lose especially in matches against Haifa and Beer Sheva but we can only go up from here. It makes the match on Thursday even that more critical for us both in Europe and in general. Hopefully we’ll be able to begin again anew with a good result.”

Getting the chance to play:

“In this type of team whenever you can get a chance to play and be in the Starting XI you have to take advantage of it because you know with one bad game you may be back on the bench once again. Anyone that gets an opportunity to play must grasp it with both hands and I hope I can continue to play well and that the coach keeps giving me credit.”

Opportunity to play:

“I’ve gone through this a number of times where I’ve been stuck on the bench. But I know how to handle it and what to do when I get my chance as everything can change in a split second. Everyone in the squad can get a chance at any moment and we all have to be ready.”

Importance of Thursday’s match:

“No question that this is the key game. If we win then the chances that we can move onto the next round increase. Any result other than a win will be an issue. We must win this game.”

Confidence:

“We go into every match full of confidence as we did when we played Zenit at home where we performed well for 70 minutes. When you defeat a team away and then play them at home it also gives you a boost of confidence.”

Lockerroom talk:

“We haven’t heard anything about problems or issues and whoever is saying these things has to know that it’s a bunch of nonsense. Anyone that knows us understands how strong a lockerroom we have and that has been so crucial for us these past few years. Nothing is changing that anytime soon.”

Maccabi Petach Tikva match:

“The match is very important as we want to go into the break with a good taste in our mouths with two wins, get back onto the winning track and it means that these matches are critical for us.”

Get your Maccabi Tel Aviv Winter Gear
As you’ve all noticed over the last few days, the summer season is finally over and colder weather has moved in. But don’t worry because we have a terrific Winter Collection waiting just for you that is available at the Official Team Stores and the Online Shop. Check it out and keep warm with the Yellow & Blue!

03/11/16 – Maccabi hosts Alkmaar
November’s opening shot will be fired this coming Thursday night when the Yellow & Blue host the Dutch side on Matchday Four of the Europa League group stages. The situation in Group D is topsy-turvy and Maccabi finds itself in 3rd place after defeating Alkmaar last match. A victory on Thursday in Netanya will give Maccabi a real chance of advancing to the Round of 32.

06/11/16 – Maccabi welcomes Maccabi Petach Tikva
With two straight league losses and just three days after an important Europa League contest, the Yellow & Blue will host Petach Tikva in Ligat Ha’Al play. Maccabi will look to get back onto the winning track with the goal of moving up at least one position on the table when they face Kobi Refuah’s team who currently find themselves in second place.

The Official Maccabi Tel Aviv Magazine has arrived!
Maccabi Tel Aviv in conjunction with the Yedioth Achronot Group and “Rosh 1” are happy to launch the Club’s Official Magazine for 2016/17. The magazine which will include in-depth interviews with the players, trivia, one-on-one with Maccabinio and much more about the Yellow & Blue can be found in stores and is available online.

20/11/16 – Heading North to Kiryat Shemona Take 1
Maccabi Tel Aviv will take on Kiryat Shemona twice in the month of November and the first time will be on Matchday 10 of Ligat Ha’Al play. The northern club who just relieved Moti Ivanir of his duties will look for a better result than what they were able to do against the Yellow & Blue in the first leg of the Toto Cup last week at the Netanya Stadium. And once we’re on the topic of the Toto Cup we’ll get to that a bit later on for second leg action.

24/11/16 – Maccabi in St. Petersburg for a clash with Zenit
Everyone remembers last match against the Russian outfit and now it’s time for the return leg. Get your gatkes and gloves ready because one of you will be flying with us for FREE! Thanks to the Buy, Answer, Fly contest maybe you can win the trip for two?! CLICK HERE for more details

27/11/16 – The Little Tel Aviv Derby at the Moshava
Matchday 11 sets up a date for Shota Arveladze’s squad with Bnei Yehuda as they will host the Yellow & Blue at the Moshava Stadium.

Yellow Friday – You don’t want to miss out on this!
You didn’t think that we would forget about one of the world’s greatest shopping days? We’re already getting ready for you to find some fantastic deals so keep your eyes and ears open to make sure you don’t miss this once a year opportunity!

30/11/16 – Heading North to Kiyat Shemona Take 2
Following a 3:2 victory in the first leg of the Toto Cup quarterfinals, the northern side will host the return leg at the Kiryat Shemona Toto Municipal Stadium as Maccabi will look to advance to the semifinals of the competition.

Veteran defensive midfielder Gal Alberman discussed the Yellow & Blue’s 2:0 loss against Hapoel Beer Sheva in the southern capital. The Captain talked about the good start to the season the Club had, the important games coming up and about the match itself:

“We came here to play our football today and we played well for a good stretch but we paid the price for our mistakes. At the end of the day we are leaving here disappointed but it’s still early on and it will be you to decide the differences between the clubs.”

Important matches coming up:

“We were on a good run before the International break and now we are a bit on the downside but we have a very important match on Thursday in the Europa League and a crucial league match as well. We know how to play in two different competitions and it’s still too early to know what will be in the future.”

The Maccabi system:

“This is the system we have been using for a long time at Maccabi and we have a coach who will decide what to do to get us back onto the right track. But again we have had a good system with the same players and it has worked. The media will say that we are in trouble, but really we have played extremely well in many games this season as well as today where we played well but the score didn’t reflect the result.”

Opening the season well:

“Two weeks ago, everyone was saying that we were a better team than last year and we all looked at the statistics and saw that we opened the season really well, but then after two losses everyone wants to say that we are going the wrong way. We have to work on ourselves and we have two very important games coming up.”

Head Coach Shota Arveladze spoke to the gathered press after his team’s 2:0 loss at the hands of Hapoel Beer Sheva in Matchday Eight of the Ligat Ha’Al. The Georgian discussed scoring, the Europa League, the players following the match and the game itself:

“If I say that I feel good I would be lying, but this is football. We played a good game and there were things we did very well, but some second balls we will need to work on as there were counterattacks. You gave to give credit to the opponent, they scored two good goals from good free kick and a good counter attack.”

About Tal Ben Chaim:

“He’s the same as you are, two legs, two eyes and he may have slept badly and everyone has some bad moments, but he will come back. He didn’t open today as he didn’t train for most of the week so I decided not to start him today.”

On Nosa Igiebor:

“This is a process. Sometimes I used to say when everything goes well the ball goes in. Sometimes you need to have luck just like when Eden Ben Basat could have been 3 centimeters offside and sometimes during good times it wouldn’t be. Or when receiving a free kick that just goes outside of the target and it’s not a goal. There are good times, up times and down times in football.

Upcoming Europa League match:

“We have a very important game coming up for the country for Maccabi and for the supporters as they want to see us and we want to have a chance to make it to the next stage of get Europa League.”

Watching the players go to the fans after the match:

“We lost together and it’s not just the players as I lost as well. I wanted to feel it as well and be around. I want to thank the supporters as it was fantastic to see them celebrate the team and how we played. Of course we all wish that we would have scored some goals and win but again it’s just one day.”

Scoring:

“When everything works well then take everything that is in front of you. You shoot and it goes in, but right now it’s not the case. We know that we will score again.”