Maccabi’s Head of Football Department, Barak Itzhaki, spoke of his impression from Karanka: “We had good talks which began right from the first conversation we had – a very direct and honest chat before diving in to training plans football philosophy and everything to do with the professional side of the game. We had good talks and got the impression that we are dealing with a very organised and methodic coach with a lot of passion. Karanka was a top player who worked at ambitious clubs, and I think he is a perfect match for the profile of Maccabi Tel Aviv’s coach.”
On the departure of Vladinir Ivic, Itzhaki revealed: “We were taken by surprise as he walked in to the office after one of the training sessions and dropped that bombshell. I was obviously disappointed because we had other plans, but at the end of the day you can’t go into someone’s head at such a particular moment and fully understand the reason behind his decision. He has wife, kids and he chose this way. I honestly wish him the best from the bottom of my heart”.
