On the day Nir Bitton, celebrated his 31st birthday, the central defender who joined Maccabi in the summer from Celtic, said ahead of the MD10 league match at Be’ersheva: “It is tough match just like any other league match regardless who we are playing against” Bitton said, “This league is tough as we learned ourselves this season. There are no easy matches and Be’ersheva are a very tough side – we know them and what they are capable of. They have an experienced talented squad and we expect a very tough match which we hope to survive”.
Bitton who shares a room on away trips with Oscar Gloukh shared his thoughts about the recent contract extension of the talented youngster. “I had several discussions with him in the past as he is my roommate and we spoke about it on several occasions. He asked for my opinion and asked what I think as someone who had a long career abroad. My advice was not to rush things as everything in life has its’ timing. Oscar is a very talented player but he has still plenty to learn and loads to improve on before taking the next step to the places he wishes to reach. Obviously he is in the right direction and at the right club with the right ambitions and targets which should only do him good for the rest of his playing career. To leave now is not necessarily the right thing for him. He is an exceptional talent and in my opinion staying here for another year or two, leading Maccabi to a league title and in Europe could only benefit him. He is only 18 and has plenty of years left ahead of him”.
Bitton whi returned to Israel in the summer after 9 successful years at Scotlands giants Celtic Glasgow spoke of his rapid settling in T Maccabi: “I was never phased by previous scenarios with other players who returned to Israel as I know myself and what I am worth. I believe in myself and my ability to contribute. I came from a massive club and joined a massive club. Maccabi is a club which is constantly fighting for all titles just like Celtic so there is no difference at all. Our main aim is to win the title but this is achieved by working hard and persistence rather than talking. The league is still long and there are plenty of matches still left to play so the title race will not rise or fall pending on tomorrow’s match yet we will still do everything in order to emerge victorious”.
