Gabi Kanichowsky, who began the match with an assist then won a penalty and rounded off the man-of-the-match performance with a spectacular goal to lead Maccabi to a 4-0 victory in the first leg of the State Cup Quarter Final, admitted: “It is fun to score. I could have possibly scored another and in the end the most thing is the result but we are already focused on Saturday’s forthcoming match.
The 25-year-old midfielder, who set up Djordje Jovanovic’s opener, was brought down in the area for Maccabi’s second and scored a solo effort for the 3rd against second division side Maccabi Petah Tikva, added: “We must prepare against every team regardless of their name or position. One must never disrespect any opponent at such situation – its a clear must. Maccabi Petah Tikva are a good tough team, and I am delighted we completed our job the way we had to. There is a still another game to play, but today we really came to work and it showed. In the first minute Daniel Tenenbaum rescued us with a top save, but we recovered quickly and got a good result.”
On life under coach, Aitor Karanka, Kanichowsky added: “It is true as swapping a coach midway through the season is not easy, but he brought with him a good spirit and plenty of positive energy. Us players must also prove themselves to the new coach and must raise their game to show what they are worth.”
