The first home match of the season is always extra special and different than any other game; the excitement of something new about to begin. Seeing the fans in the stands as they come to cheer us on gives us the strength we need to meet their expectations. Over the past number of years we have made a tradition of Maccabi’s participation in the group stages of European competitions and the fans’ expectations that we will again advance to that stage is exactly what our goal is.
Last Thursday in Hungary, I recorded my 53rd appearance as a central defender for Maccabi in Europe. As someone who holds the Club record for European matches played, I admit that I’m excited as if this is my first game.
Our opponent this evening showed in the first leg that the challenge will not be a simple one. I have no doubt that Eliran Atar’s goal, although is was the equalizer, gave us, the players a huge lift ahead of the second leg.
We have a squad that has made a number of changes over the summer. From the new coaching staff who are still learning who we are and we are learning who they are, to the new players who are acclimating very well to the team. Last month we began understanding what the demands of the coach are, his expectations and how he wants to see Maccabi play. At the end of the day, we all have the same goal. But from the first match to the last match, we aren’t going to be looking at the past and the distant future, just the here and now.
Jair Amador and Enric Saborit are two of my new defensive partners and they have quickly become part of the team. After the first leg draw in Hungary, it’s clear to all of us that at home, with our supporters and especially by being together, we can reach our goals this season.
Earlier, I explained about the excitement of the first home match, but I can’t end without addressing how excited I am about playing in the brand new kit. In my first season with Maccabi, I played with a striped shirt and the campaign ended with the Club’s first title in 10 years. I can promise that again this season you’ll see a Maccabi that is hungry to recreate the same success as in my first campaign at the Club. This season we are all 100% Maccabi.
