Martin Bain, Maccabi Tel Aviv’s CEO told the club's official website from Monaco: “The entire club worked extremely hard to reach this stage. Being part of such an elite group of European footballing names is a great honor and we obviously have a lot to look forward to. I believe that representing Israel in the UEFA Champions League will be an inspiration to many connected with Israeli football”.
Jordi Cruyff told the club's official website: "Every possible opponent was going to be very tough but we are very happy to bring these teams to Israel and to be part of this great competition – the Champions League".
Coach Slavisa Jokanovic added: "It is a nice draw. Obviously at this stage of the competition all teams are tough and this is an understatement. We have the utmost respect for all our opponents in the group yet we must remain proud flying the Israeli flag in Europe".
Tal Ben Haim, who just like Jokanovic played for Chelsea in the past, said: "Before signing for Maccabi Tel Aviv I had a scenario in the head that I will come full circle and qualify with Maccabi to the Champions League Group stages and also meet Chelsea. Today it was proven more than ever that someone up there is sorting things out. This however is still a tough draw and we will do everything possible to represent Israel with pride".
