As Maccabi Tel Aviv readies for their Israel Premier League Match at Hapoel Hadera on Saturday at 18:00 at the Netanya Stadium, the club held an Open Day where the fans had a chance to meet the Yellow & Blue Stars. Hundreds of supporters descended upon the PenguinPickUp Training Ground at Kiryat Shalom to see their heroes up close and personal as they took selfies and received autographs from the players.

Omer Atzili took time out to talk about the upcoming Championship Playoff contest and meeting the fans:

“It’s great to be here. We love these days where we get a chance to meet all of the fans. It’s really gratifying especially as were playing well so it’s great to see everyone.”

The fan support throughout the season:
“We really feel the fans backing us and cheering us on. Even though we’ve already wrapped up the title they are still coming out to support us as we still have other goals that we want to reach this season. We’re really happy that they are with us and that they continue to push us forward.”

Potentially breaking the points record:
“Slowly but surely, but yes. Another win and another win and we can reach that goal. In a season like this where we haven’t lost in league play we are hoping that we can break as many records as possible.” 

His own season to date:
“I have good stats but I don’t feel that this is an exceptional season for me. Maybe if I had 17 or 1 goals, but I’m happy with where I am. I feel that I’m a big part of the championship and both myself and the team are enjoying it very much.”

The penalty against Bnei Yehuda:
“Anyone who has seen the penalty knows I was trying to kick the ball towards the goal but I slipped. In fact the ball only hit me once and perhaps the VAR will be better as time goes on as it’s something that will add to our football.”

About the upcoming Champions League qualifiers:
“It’s a dream but it’s still way off. We’re not even thinking about it yet as we still have a number of more matches until the off season.”

Ahead of Hadera:
“Hadera has had a good season and they played above and beyond what was expected. We’re concentrating and focusing on ourselves and we will come into the contest playing our football. I hope that’s what will be and that we will win the match.”