Shahar Piven, Maccabi Tel Aviv’s young central defender spoke about his side’s 4:0 win at home over Ashdod and looked ahead to Saturday’s contest against Bnei Yehuda:
“Every match is difficult but we came super ready after the goal we gave up at the last second on Saturday against Maccabi Petah Tikva. We wanted to make up for it and I’m happy that everything went as planned by the coach and now we can concentrate on the next match on Saturday.”
Playing hard:
“I don’t decide who plays but I give it my all during training and I’m happy that the coach trusts me. I try to pay him back on the pitch with 100% that I can give. For me it was exciting to play against the team that gave me my first chance to play in the Premier League. This was an important match and I’m happy we didn’t give up a goal. Hats off to everyone.”
Giving his all to be in the lineup:
“I always try to give it my all. When I first arrived at Ashdod I wasn’t in the Starting XI but Amir Turgeman gave me my first chance and the same here. There are a lot of players and you never know when you’ll be in the lineup or not. You just have to give it your all every single training session and fight for every ball and the coach makes his decision. I am happy that I am back playing and I’m happy that I have the opportunity.”
Tough match ahead:
“We have to rest a bit and tomorrow we will do recovery. On Saturday we will face the team with the second best defense in the league and they have a great attack. We are expecting a tough match and we will be ready.”
Long season:
“It’s a long season with a very competitive and close league. We will play up until the end, there’s not time to sit on our laurels.”
Proving Maccabi belongs in first place:
“Everyone says that it’s finished but we come into every match with our finger on the pulse to do the best we can and prove that we belong in first place and I hope that this will continue.”
Learning from the veterans:
“I am always learning from Sheran Yeini, Eitan Tibi and from Jair Amador. They are veterans and fantastic players who have played in Spain or on the Israel National Team. They’ve been here for years and I’m always learning form them and want to learn from them.“
