Barak Itzhaki addressed the media following his final match as an active player against Beitar Jerusalem on Matchday 35 of the Israel Premier League Ligat Ha’Al:
“It was very emotional. I’m very happy that I was able to get to this level and to get so much love and appreciation. It will stay with me forever as I went through a tight time. I want to thank everybody during the good times and the not so good times for being there for me.
Honored to receive so many good wishes:
“I got home and read my messages and posts from the players, fans, friends and family and I couldn’t stop to cry as I was so honored to get these messages.”
Moving into a management role:
“During the last few months I spoke with Maccabi and I thought about it. I wanted to see how it would be and I met with Mitch, Jack and Ben. I realized what I wanted to do and I’m happy that they have confidence in me. I’m only at the beginning and I’ll have plenty to learn. I’ll work hard and this is so important to me. Maccabi didn’t get what they expected from me primarily because I was injured. I’ll do everything that I can to give back to this club as they stood by me during all of those tough times.”
About Jordi Cruyff:
“There’s no question that he changed the club and you can see that from the results. He was able to put a standard in place. We have to look back at all of the great things he did with his staff together with Mitch and Jack. Maccabi is a tremendous club and the Europeans that come here have been able to see what Israeli football is all about. We want to do more and more for Israeli football.”
The season:
“We were there and then we fell back. We made it back to first and then again fell backwards. It was in our hands but that’s in the past. We have to look forward.”
Recruiting players for the club:
“I’ll talk to the players and try to bring the best players to come and play here because this is Maccabi Tel Aviv and it’s a privilege to be a part of this club.”
Goals ahead:
“I think that when Alona came on board they were able to move ahead from the second division. Now it’s time for the title to come back to Maccabi.”
