Omer Atzily looked back at his side’s stunning 3:2 victory over Maccabi Netanya at the Netanya Stadium on Matchday 4 of the Israel Premier League:
Luck or character:
“I don’t think it was luck. The first half was not great but the second half was much better and it was a character win. Next week we have a very difficult match and I hope that we will look even better.”
First half issues:
“We know that we haven’t looked great in the first half and that is something we are working on and have made a point to improve. Next week I’m sure we will look better in the first half. I have no explanation as to why and it’s not something that we sit around the dressing room saying, ‘let’s go play well’ and then we don’t. I don’t know why, but we will improve.”
Style of play:
“Maccabi Netanya came to play football and they have a great team. I have to give credit to the coaching staff Slobodan Drapic and Shay Barda. But what’s most important here is the win. It was a tough match and we walked away with three points.”
About the goal:
“I don’t have any explanation, other than the ball came to me and I saw the goal and I kicked it. My big brother Gal just got married so that was in his honor.”
Pressure playing for Maccabi:
“I don’t think that the pressure of Maccabi was on my shoulders. I didn’t play much last season but I feel part of the club and I am part of the puzzle which has many quality players. I’m happy to be here.”
Dor Micha’s injury at the end of the warmup:
“I didn’t pay much attention. After a few minutes I saw him head to the dressing room. Dor is a good friend and a great player. I hope he will be back soon.”
More on Netanya’s play:
“We saw their play over the past matches and how they were against Beer Sheva. I also was under Drapic and Barda so I knew their style and I knew it would not be an easy match.”
