Davida: "We must continue focusing on ourselves"

Grechkin: “We need that extra push”

Maxim Grechkin, Maccabi “Shachar”’s left back spoke to the official website about the important match against the Ukrainian side

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv will make history on Tuesday as they will host Dynamo Kyiv in their first home game of the UEFA Champions League Youth Tournament on Matchday Two. The match will take place at Grundman Stadium in Ramat HaSharon at 13:00 and admission is free.

Maxim Grechkin, Maccabi “Shachar”’s left back spoke to the official website about his teammate’s feelings prior to the important match against the Ukrainian side and how important a packed Grundman Stadium would be for the club:

“There’s a lot of excitement as this is the biggest European tournament for youth players and it’s a huge opportunity for us to be part of it. We have a couple of days to prepare for the match and we’re trying to put a great effort into the training sessions in order to do the best that we can. Our last opponent was the European Champions. We did some scouting and we have a file on the Kyiv youth side so we know what each player’s strengths and weaknesses are.”

On the importance of the supporters on Tuesday:

“The fans are 50% of the game. You can be a good team and you can play well but we also need the support to back us up. Just like at Sammy Ofer where there will be over 30,000 fans we would be happy to see 2,000 at our home match. We need that extra push and it’s always fun to have the crowd behind us. We will be 150% ready for this game even though we lost to Sakhnin which was a tough match. There’s a difference between the two competitions and we are going into the game to take three points.”

On his personal goals this season as an older player:

“For me this is a challenge as this is a new group of players. We had an extended training camp and I’m sure with the other two older players we can develop into a strong team that you’ll be able to see on the pitch.”

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv will make history on Tuesday as ...

Bnei Sakhnin defeats Maccabi Shachar Tel Aviv 1:0

Ziv Arie's charges lost their first league match of the season as Khalaila's only opportunity of the game gave the home side the win

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv travelled up north to play Bnei Sakhnin on Matchday Two of the Ligat Ha’Al Youth League and came up short losing 1:0.

The opening of the match was fairly even as both sides had trouble mustering up many chances with the majority of the play taking place around midfield. Arie’s team tried to find a way through the stingy Sakhnin defense to no avail as the clubs headed into halftime tied 0:0.

The Yellow-and-Blue looked for a goal at the start of the second half but it was Ameer Khalaila who scored for Sakhnin capitalizing on a Maccabi mistake in the 60th minute. Tomer Altman and his teammates tried to find the equalizer but the Sakhnin ‘keeper Kamal Kanahna seemed to always be in the right place at the right time as the home side collected the three-points and the win.

Next week, Maccabi Netanya visits Maccabi Tel Aviv at the Ramle Stadium on Matchday Three of the Israel Youth League.

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv travelled up north to play ...

Youth Department Action Saturday

Another Saturday of football for the Maccabi Tel Aviv Youth Department awaits us this weekend. The Under-19 and Under-16 will play in their respective leagues while Maccabi "Oded" Tel Aviv's match was postponed to a later date

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv will also be preparing for a Champions League match against their Dynamo Kyiv counterparts. The full list of matches is below:

Bnei Sakhnin – Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv – Doha Stadium / Saturday 26/9 at 11:00

After winning their first home match of the Ligat Winner Youth League, Ziv Arie’s team will attempt to win their second game in a row, away at a tough Bnei Sakhnin side. Iman Abu Yon’s club was promoted this season and won their first match away at Beitar Jerusalem in Bayit Vegan on a lone goal by Aiman Hamze in the 60th minute. Three days after the league match, the Under-19 Yellow-and-Blue will face Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League Youth League.

SC Julis – Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv

The Under-17 team’s match has been postponed to a later date due to the Eid Mubarak Holiday.

Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv – Beitar Jerusalem Shmuel – Kiryat Shalom Training Facility / Saturday 26/9 at 9:00

Eliezer Ben Aharon’s club opened its season last week away, defeating Hapoel Ramat Gan 5:2. The Under-16 team will host their counterparts from Beitar Jerusalem this Saturday who lost their match last Saturday 1:0 to Hapoel Tel Aviv at home in Bayit Vegan.

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv will also be preparing for ...

Yellow-and-Blue Saturday – Youth Department Match Results

Three Maccabi Tel Aviv youth clubs played on Saturday and all won their respective matches

It was a great Saturday for all three youth clubs that played on Saturday in their respective leagues. Ziv Arie’s Under-19 side opened up the season on the right foot at their home stadium in Ramle, Ori Uzan’s club also continued their winning ways and Eliezer Ben Aharon’s team started off their campaign with an away victory.

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv – SC Ashdod 1:0

The statistics say that it’s difficult for a team in Israel to play in both a European and domestic competition at the same time, but Ziv Arie’s side was able to put that to bed with an opening day win over Ashdod. Captain Dan Glazer scored the lone goal of the match, as his 54th minute strike was all that the club needed to secure the 3-points. Next Matchday Maccabi will travel to face Bnei Sakhnin.

Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv – Hapoel Kiryat Shemona 4:1

Ori Uzan and Leon Asraf’s Under-17 side got off to a spectacular start scoring in the first minute of the match and adding two more goals by the end of the first half. The second frame saw Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv add an additional goal while Kiryat Shemona picked up a goal of their own before the final whistle. Netanel Peretz scored a brace as Prince Thomas and Deslin Belachio each scored a goal as well.

Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv – Hapoel Ramat Gan 5:2

Eliezer Ben Aharon and Gadi Brumer’s team headed to play Hapoel Ramat Gan right by the field next to the Safari where their was no scoring in the first half but seven goals in the final 45 minutes. Sahar Sa’adon was the star of the show scoring four goals for the Yellow-and-Blue while Idan Tzioni added one of his own to help the Under-16 side Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv to the opening day victory.

It was a great Saturday for all three youth ...

Starting off on the right foot

Maccabi "Shachar" Tel Aviv wins on Dan Glazer's 54th minute goal

It wasn’t easy, but Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv started off on the right foot defeating SC Ashdod 1:0 on the opening day of the Ligat Ha’Al Youth League with the help of Dan Glazer’s 54th minute goal. Next Matchday Maccabi will visit Bnei Sakhnin.

The first half began a bit sluggishly as one could see that both teams were just opening up the season showing some rust. Maccabi dominated the play for the first 45 minutes but couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities in front of the Ashdod goal. Near the end of the half, midfielder Or Dasa’s individual effort resulted in a strike from 20 meters out that the Ashdod ‘keeper deflected to the crossbar but Lazar Dragovic couldn’t convert the rebound as the half ended scoreless.

Under-19 coach Ziv Arie made a couple of substitutions to begin the second half as Ran Vaturi and Eylon Almog came in for Amit Rosenboim and Dragovic. The personnel changes almost paid immediate dividends as Maccabi’s attack became much more dangerous than in the first half and in the 54th minute the Yellow-and-Blue were rewarded for their efforts. Captain Dan Glazer gave Maccabi a 1:0 lead as his 20 meter shot found the back of the goal. As the half continued, Maccabi continued controlling the tempo but Almog and Amit Shapira’s chance couldn’t find the goal. Near the end of the match the players began to tire and lose concentration but we’re able to hold on for the win and the 3-points on Matchday One.

It wasn’t easy, but Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv started ...

Arie and Glazer discuss Matchday One win

The coach and captain summed up Maccabi "Shachar" Tel Aviv's Matchday One victory in the Ligat Ha'Al Youth League. Glazer: "Let us play, we love it"

The Under-19 club opened up their Ligat Ha’Al Youth League season with a 1:0 win over SC Ashdod on a Dan Glazer goal. The coach Ziv Arie spoke about the win, returning from the Champions League and the change in weather:

“It’s always fun to win and pick up a clean sheet on Matchday One. I was concerned about the team’s ability to change gears from the Champions League and Chelsea, but they were able to focus on the task at hand, control the tempo and prevented Ashdod from getting opportunities. I was a bit disappointed about the final 20 minutes of the game and there is still plenty to work on.”

 The substitutions that helped the club:

 “The easiest thing to say is that we have new players that need time to mesh as a team and we won due to good luck. But I’d rather look at this as ability and practice. We will work hard and continue on. The journalists can always discuss what was a good sub and what wasn’t. Against Chelsea the subs perhaps hurt our chances. We have a deep squad, a good bench and another six players that weren’t even in the squad today but throughout the year everyone will help.”

On the weather changes:

“After facing Chelsea everyone was talking about the difference in the level of play but there is another big difference, the weather. We went from playing in 15 to 32 degrees and stifling heat and humidity. Of course the weather affects both clubs but it was tough to play the way we wanted to in these conditions.”

Goal scorer Dan Glazer talked about the opening day win, scoring the goal and also what it’s like training with the first team and play with the youth side:

“It’s terrific to win and especially to score a goal. We have to continue this way and this is just the beginning. Part of the thought process of playing with the youth team is to diversify my game and get more minutes along with scoring and I’m happy that exactly what happened here on Matchday One.”

About the match:

“We came back from the Chelsea game which was difficult and we worked really hard but there’s nothing better than being able to play on Wednesday and Saturday, let us play, we love it. We’re footballers and we love what we do.”

On his role of captain this season:

“I’m a bit older and it’s new for me, but there are some really good players here that pick up the game and how we play very quickly. We did some great things today and it’s important to continue this way.”

About practicing with the first team:

“Training with the first team is quite the experience. To practice with the best players in the country definitely helps me improve as everyone gives more than 100% and is especially helpful when I play on Saturday with the youth team.”

The Under-19 club opened up their Ligat Ha’Al Youth ...

Youth Department in Action Saturday

The three main Maccabi Tel Aviv youth clubs return to action on Saturday, after all of the matches were pushed off from last week due to the inclement weather

The three main Maccabi Tel Aviv youth clubs return to action on Saturday, after all of the matches were pushed off from last week due to the inclement weather. Below is the full list of games:

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv

The Under-19 club landed back in Israel after their first Champions League group stage match against Chelsea where they went down to defeat to the reigning European Champions 3:0. Ziv Arie’s side will open up their domestic season at home in the Ramle Stadium against SC Ashdod at 12:00. While in London the coach discussed the importance of making the transition between the European competition and the Israeli league: “There’s no magic formula; just like the match for the first team was difficult, so was ours. The cliche is that the Israeli league is our bread and butter and we know that we have to open the year strong.”

Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv

After not playing for two weeks due to inclement weather and a technical victory, the Under-17 club under the direction of Ori Uzan and Leon Asraf heads up north to face Kiryat Shemona at the Municipal Stadium, 11:00. Maccabi “Oded” find themselves at the top of the table with a perfect 2:0 record.

 Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv

The Under-16 team coached by Gadi Brumer and Eliezer Ben Aharon will begin their season tomorrow when they face Hapoel Ramat Gan away, right by the field next to the Ramat Gan Safari at 10:30.

The three main Maccabi Tel Aviv youth clubs return ...

Arie: “The goal was to compete”

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv were defeated by the Chelsea Under-19 side. Ziv Arie: “The goal was to compete”

The Maccabi Under-19 club fell to their Chelsea counterparts 3:0 in England. The Yellow-and-Blue went up against one of the strongest teams in the UEFA Champions League Youth Tournament and gave up two goals to Kasey Palmer who scored a brace while Tammy Abraham scored the third goal for the defending champions. Following the match Maccabi “Shachar” coach Ziv Arie spoke about the game, the abilities showed by his side and the experience gained by playing at this level:

“You can say that the result is reflective of the levels of the clubs. We may have been able to score a goal or two but they also had plenty of opportunities. The goal was to compete with Chelsea and not look like a club that just pushed the ball forward and hope that we wouldn’t give up a goal. At times we were able to and other moments not. We recently got players like Haviv Ohayon, Dan Glaser, Lazar Durovic and Al Awisat and it takes time to integrate them into the lineup. We’re a side that still needs to come together as a team.”

“It was a good lesson for us, some of the gaps in play can be reduced, others not. The pace, the physical play and the defensive prowess is something that we don’t experience on a day to day basis. I am glad with the level of play in Israel and seeing how the other teams compete with us and we didn’t come here to just pass the time and finish 1:0 with many saves from Haviv and I’m happy with the way we played. Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in the world. You see the facilities, the attitude and the rhythm, all of it at the level of the Champions League.”

“This was our first official match after the domestic league was delayed so we knew that not having any matches right before would hurt us. There’s no magic formula; just like the match for the first team will be difficult, so was ours. The cliche is that the Israeli league is our bread and butter and we know that we have to open the year strong. There’s another five matches in the Champions League and whoever wants to play will have to work hard in the league.”

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv were defeated by the Chelsea ...

Maccabi Under-19 Team loses to Chelsea 3-0

Maccabi Tel Aviv's Under-19 side lost to Chelsea away in England 3:0 in the group stages of the Champions League Youth League

The hosts controlled the flow of play at the start of the first half showing why they had won last year’s tournament. However, Ziv Arie’s charges were up to the task and held a very strong defensive front to withstand the Chelsea attack.

 In the 20th minute, Chelsea broke through the Maccabi defense as Kasey Palmer scored for the home side to give the Blues a 1:0 lead. The Yellow-and-Blue threatened as they were able to get deep into Chelsea territory but their chances in Lehigh those by Lazar Durovic missed the target as Maccabi went into the half down by a goal.

The second half started quickly for Chelsea as Palmer scored his second of the match off a Maccabi turnover in the 47th minute and the third Chelsea goal came from Tammy Abraham in 78th minute after he capitalized on a Maccabi defensive error giving the hosts a 3:0 victory.

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv lineup:

Ohayon, Rosenboim, Galili, Grechkin, Zelikovic, Glazer (c), Altman (Galili 78), Haramati (46 Almog), Kanichowsky, Shapira, Durovic (69 Al Awisat).

 Chelsea lineup:

Baxter, Tomari, Clarke-Salter, Aina, DaSilva, Chalobah (75 Maddox), Mukhtar (61 Sammut), Scott, Muheim (46 Sterling), Abraham, Palmer

The hosts controlled the flow of play at the ...

Maccabi’s Under-19 club lands in London

Maccabi "Shachar" Tel Aviv landed in London this afternoon. The players had a final training session at Chelsea's practice facility prior to their opening match of the Champions League Youth Tournament against the youth team of the English Champions

Maccabi’s Under-19 club landed in London this afternoon along with the first team and went on their way to prepare for the match against their Chelsea counterparts.

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv took part in their final training session at Chelsea’s practice facility in Cobham, where they will also play their opening match of the Champions League Youth Tournament against the London based side who are the current champions in this competition.

All of the latest news about the Under-19 club’s match tomorrow, Wednesday at 15:00 can be found here, on the Official Website.

Maccabi’s Under-19 club landed in London this afternoon along ...