Uncertain Future for Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Coach After Win Over Hapoel Haifa
Coach’s Remarks on Future Plans
Following Maccabi Tel Aviv’s impressive comeback victory over Hapoel Haifa, where they sealed a 3-1 win at Sammy Ofer Stadium, head coach Žarko Lazić addressed speculations surrounding his future for the first time. When questistartd about the future of midfielder Gabi Kanichowski, who has yet to sign a new contract, Lazić expressed uncertainty about his own position. “I don’t know if I’ll be here next year. Maybe I won’t coach; I simply don’t know if I will stay. Right now, I’m focused on the upcoming game and our effort to win a title,” he stated.
Performance Highlights from the Match
In the match, Maccabi Tel Aviv initially struggled, with goalkeeper Sluga contributing to conceding the first goal due to a poor clearance. However, key players like Peretz, Kanichowski, and Ohad Davida garnered praise for their involvement in all three goals, turning the game around for the team. Additionally, Idan Nahmias received accolades for providing the assist on Maccabi’s third goal.
Team Dynamics and Upcoming Challenges
Lazić emphasized Kanichowski’s importance to the squad, asserting, “No start needs to convince me how good Kanichowski is and how significant his impact on the team is. We’ve talked, and I felt he wasn’t fully prepared to start.” He reassured fans of his commitment to secure the championship by May 24, adding confidence that the team will push through to the end.
As Maccabi Tel Aviv prepares for their next match against Be’er Sheva, Lazić acknowledged the necessity of strong supporter presence, saying, “We need the crowd, who should also be praised for their performance against Hapoel Haifa. They are essential at Bloomfield, as the atmosphere will be intense and electrifying, making it a potentially amazing night that can propel us toward the championship.”
In light of the upcoming fixtures, Lazić noted the suspension concerns for several players, indicating that Wesley Pataky and Davida, having accumulated four yellow cards, risk missing the following match if they receive another booking. The momentum gained from the recent victory is crucial as they aim to solidify their standing in the league and pursue the title