How do you feel when you aren’t in the Starting XI?
“The question is why wasn’t I in the Starting XI. Was it a professional reason, was it to get some rest or recovering from an injury. Someone who doesn’t start has to be even more motivated. What does that mean? If it’s professional then I have to work harder and understand what I need to do better in order to be in there.”

What is Maccabi for you?
“First off it’s a home. I feel at home here and I am confident here and I am happy when I see my surroundings. I want to be here until I’m 70.”

After his playing career:
“I’ve thought of many different things but I’d like to run a youth department and help children improve and prepare them to play on the First Team. I’d be happy if Maccabi Tel Aviv had more younger players.”

About Jordi Cruyff:
“Jordi and I have a very good relationship and over the years we have been able to get to a point where we each trust and respect each other. He’s a coach that will give it to you if he has to and he will give you confidence when he needs to.”

Winning the title this season:
“We don’t want to talk about the Championship but we know that we can compete for it but each one of us has to give 100% effort.”

Father’s part in his football development:
“My father doesn’t like football and it was because of a neighbor whose son enjoyed it and wanted me to join his team that I became involved. My father brought me to all of my training sessions but when I got my drivers license I went alone. He enjoys watching me play.”

Holland or Maccabi:
“It’s two totally different experiences. The plusses there are the minuses here and the minuses there are the plusses here. People in the streets in Holland don’t bother you whereas here they do. There was a difference when we lost, there we just said ok let’s go onto the next game while here it’s very emotional. But the best would be if there was something in the middle for proper balance.”