Daniel Lifshitz picked up his second win since joining Maccabi: “I’m happy that my won-lost record is still 100% and I hope that I’ll keep that streak going the next time I’m in goal.” The second choice keeper commented following the match against the tough Leumit League outfit.
“Ramat HaSharon is a good side with some veteran players along with some young and talented ones. Their keeper is the Olympic team’s shot stopper. It’s always difficult against them.”
Advancing to the Round of 16 and a date with Rishon Le’Zion:
“I really hope that just like last year we can continue the defense on the right foot. We are Maccabi Tel Aviv and just like every season we will continue to battle in all of the competitions.”
On having a different starting XI than the last match:
“These are players who have been together for many years. Maccabi’s way is not to make drastic changes in the squad and that way the players pretty much all know each other. Any player that plays in any match can be in the stating XI. Some guys that played in this match had opened up in the prior weeks so there won’t be much that any player needs to adapt to. We are all learning the new coach’s style.”
The penalty called against Maccabi that could have led to extra time:
“I wasn’t afraid that we would head to extra time. I knew we would score again. It would have been difficult for them to score and we were in good shape. I really wasn’t thinking that we’d have to go to the extra period because of the penalty. I knew we would score another goal, but they also had some good opportunities and anything can happen in the State Cup tournament.”
About Eran Zahavi’s introduction and Eden Ben Basat’s match:
“Of course Eran Zahavi always gives the team a little extra in any match he plays. But I think Eden Ben Basat was the catalyst in last night’s match. He played a terrific game and helped us advance to the next round.”
On Peter Bosz’s decision to see different players in the two matches he’s coached so far:
“He definitely knew what had gone on with the club since the beginning of the year and beforehand. He didn’t look at the State Cup as a match to give players rest. He wanted to have a chance to see all of the players he has at his disposal. And this match will give him some food for thought for the next game and for games later on in the season.”
Looking ahead to Monday’s league match in Acre:
“The conditions in Acre are never terrific. They are a team that likes to run and press one on one and it won’t be easy. They are not coming into the match in good form and that will not make it any easier for us.”
