Maccabi Tel Aviv striker Itai Shechter was in fine fettle and in a jovial mood after Saturday’s 3-0 TASE Premier League win over Hapoel Haifa. He came on as a substitute after Chico Ofoedu pulled up injured late in the match and spoke to us after the game.
“From the outset we saw Maccabi being dominant, strong and pressing our opponents. It was an important win, we now take a short break and we will have to return refreshed with more determination,” Shechter said.
“There is no question that at the moment I’m feeling really good. I am playing at a great club and it’s really important to be able to appreciate this. When you realise this, good things happen and it’s something I tell the youngsters in the team all the time.”
Shechter, whose contract expires at the end of the season, hinted that he wanted to stay on but that at the moment he was concentrating on playing to his very highest level.
“It really enjoy things here, I am happy, it’s fun but I’m just doing my job on the pitch, there are others who will make the decisions while I concentrate on matches and training. I will stay positive and enjoy every moment and most important, help to ensure that we keep on winning.”
He said there was a steely toughness to the team.
“The dressing room is stronger than ever and even when we lost and were knocked out of Europe, the experienced players knew how to handle the situation. There has never been even a moment of turmoil in the dressing room. This club is stronger than everything and the great group of players are completely composed and ready for whatever comes their way.”
