On his role as coach, a position he held since the end of October, Itzhaki said: “It began as something new to me, but gradually I got into it. As far as I am concerned I gave everything and will continue giving everything, whether that be as coach or any other role which is what is important. This period is about to end and I will return to the role I began at the start of the season”.
When asked what did he gain from his spell as coach, Itzhaki replied: “With a lot more experience. An experience of seeing the perspective of a coach from the sidelines. I think it is very important to feel it so it was a good experience. Sometimes one has to take decisions and not simple ones. This was the decisions and I think it was relatively fine”.
On the victory over Hadera and the fact Maccabi kept a clean sheet: “They reached two chances, with the first accidentally striking Dan Galazer before reaching Shoval Gozlan. This is part of the game, one can’t totally prevent an opponent from creating chances. This is important and I told my players that in order to restore Maccabi’s deterrence effect we must protect our home. One can’t concede easy goals and we managed to that against a tough side that didn’t concede too many goals this season. I am delighted we scored 3 goals, we could have scored more but I am satisfied with the result”.
On the victory that took his side to 21 points level with Bnei Sachnin, eight adrift of Maccabi Haifa and 10 behind leaders Hapoel Be’ersheva: “We are after a good game, scored three goals and shouldn’t look too far ahead. From game to game we want to play good football, the type of football Maccabi needs to play. We are not looking too far ahead for now, we must look at things on a game by game basis”.
On the revival of Tal Ben Chaim who added a brace to his tally which now stands on four goals in a fortnight: “I watch the training sessions, Tal hasn’t started or even played in the first match I took charge at against Kiryat Shmona. He was disappointed and I clearly saw that on his face. He kept on training hard and working to ultimately earn his chance and prove that he deserves it. Every player who will prove himself will get a chance on the pitch and I am delighted for him. This is a perfect example for other players who are getting less playing time now, but it can easily change later. Football is very fluid both in positive or negative terms, but he must maintain it”.
On his role in the appointment of Mladen Krstajic as Head Coach, Itzhaki concluded: “I am not taking decisions on my own, and ultimately the decision was taken and Maccabi has a coach. It will be much smarter to wait until Wednesday and here more details about it”.
