Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Eitan Tibi spoke at the news conference ahead of the new season that starts on Saturday night and said he was excited to be back and hoping to show his skills as the club bid to retain their league title.
“I’m very happy to still be at Maccabi Tel Aviv. We expect a difficult game against Ness Ziona, they are a completely different side compared to last year and have replaced many players but we trust our ability as we open a new season and expect as much success as we had in the last campaign,” Tibi said.
He added that the European bid was now in the past and that domestic challenges are now all important.
“I am greatly disappointed that I could not help the team advance in the Europa League but that is now water under the bridge for us and we have put it in the past. The league is now our focus and it starts with the first game.
“We must just be ourselves and with our hunger for success and will to win will be seen from the first game.”
Tibi said he was raring to go.
“I have worked hard in the off season and I needed to catch up with personal trainers. I have prepared well and I have aimed to be fit and ready to play.”
Maccabi is a special place and he said he was happy to continue his career at the club.
“I never dreamed that I would play for so long at Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel’s biggest club, and to be part of it is amazing for me. I have set myself targets and I have managed to attain them and I continue to do so.”
While on the sidelines for much of last season, Tibi said he had maintained his fitness and training and was ready to go again.
“The last year is one I will remember for one main reason and even though I didn’t play, I had to set an example and show the youngsters that I was giving my all, and this season I hope to be able to prove that I am worthy of my place in the starting lineup.”
