Maccabi Tel Aviv striker Matan Hozez has recently secured a place in the first team’s starting lineup and took time at Monday’s festive launch of the “Special Maccabi” team for athletes with special needs to talk about his form.
Hozez said he had made a decision to stay at the club, work hard and fight for his place in the side and things are going well.
“I never even thought about leaving, it has never been a consideration. I knew I would stay at Maccabi in any event. I feel great and am hugely satisfied that I am playing and working hard for my place. It has been worthwhile,” Hozez said.
“Clearly, there have been tougher times when things were more difficult for me but I am pleased that I can be considered part of the squad and that I am doing well,” he added. 
Hozez said coach Vladimir Ivic has demanded that his players put constant pressure on opposing teams and that they were working hard to implement the plans. It was very pleasing to be able to do so and watch things come to fruition and yield results.
“Through this system we are able to keep possession of the ball for longer and prevent our opponents from scoring,” Hozez said.
He was pleased that colleagues who were out injured were returning to fitness.
“Good clubs have big, quality squads and there is great competition over who will be best and be able to fulfill the game plan but the coach gives an equal chance to everybody but utilises the players most suitable for his game plan.”
