Yonatan Cohen, returned to Maccabi in the summer after a disappointing year with Italian second division outfit Pisa and the forward spoke of the turbulent season he underwent. “It is hard to compare between the two seasons as we are dealing with two different clubs at different countries. I went there for two seasons with very high expectations but my time in Italy was a little tough away from home and the family as the situation was tougher. I returned to Maccabi with very high expectations and didn’t think I will have to sit here and answer questions about why I was hardly playing and what a poor season we had. Instead I prefer to look forward to remain positive as I know the future will be good.”
Cohen, who made only 12 league appearances and 16 in all competitions, elaborated on some of the difficulties he encountered: “I try to focus on the positive aspects. My season was not simple to say the least, as injuries held me back and I didn’t play a lot in the previous season as well, so everything I did required an additional step. I still remain very positive and next season I will come to devour the pitch.”
On the lessons he had learned from the previous season, Cohen said: “I learned that life is not easy and one must know how to deal with failures and criticism as well, but I believe it will be ok. Both myself and my teammates know where we failed and what is expected of us so we are looking forward.”
The appointment of Ben Mansford to the role of Chief Executive is something which influenced the career of Cohen at Maccabi during their previous tenures as the club, as the forward admitted: “Ben did amazing things here at the club in the past, not just with the senior side but also at other sectors as he helped promote young players who are here now as the backbone of the team. We know each other well, but it is all up to me now as I will not play because of Ben Mansford as I am going to prove myself in training and on the pitch every day.”
With two matches left until the end of the season against Be’ersheva at Bloomfield and away to Ashdod, Cohen reflected: “We would obviously like to win every match and are disappointed there are no real targets to play for, but as soon as Be’ersheva were deducted points we are aiming as high as possible and for second place. Clearly I would like to prove myself and show the coach I deserve to be here and have a future here.”
Cohen, who is set to feature against Be’ersheva at Bloomfield, tried remaining positive: “I learned a lot from this season as when you don’t play it is difficult to build your confidence but I strongly believe in myself and know what I am worth. I feel better now both in training and after doing a few nice things on the pitch when I came on as a substitute against Maccabi Haifa. This gives me confidence ahead of the forthcoming two matches – to finish the season on a high and start the next season at full power.”
