Idan Nachmias, marked his 14th appearance in all competitions this season by featuring at right back in the 1-0 victory over Hapoel Be’ersheva that helped Maccabi return to the top of the table. The 26-year-old defender who was named by Robbie Keane as a full-back on the right side of defense from where he played a key role in Maccabi’s goal said after the match: “You all know I am always here for the team and will give my best in every game, at every position regardless of where I am asked to play. The coaching staff spoke to me during the week and told me I might start at right-back against Be’ersheva. Even though I was asked to push in to a three central defenders position when the team goes forward, I wasn’t supposed to go forward but identified the opportunity and wasn’t afraid to push on for the goal. When I launched the cross I was hoping Eran or Milson would score so I would get an assist.” Nachmias, whose regular position is a central defender, admitted: “I really tried focusing on my actions and keep it simple because this role is new to me. I am delighted I could play at another position because all my career I played at center back. I think I did a good so the biggest positive for me is the clean sheet.”
On the game evolved against Be’ersheva, Nachmias said: “We managed to scrape the three points with our teeth. We had a dip in form towards the end but this is natural after missing the penalty as momentum can shift. I am happy we managed to hang on and not concede in those minutes or later-on in the game. We defended quite a bit and sometimes one needs to know how to win such tight matches.”
On the fans display at Bloomfield prior to kick off, where more than hundred Maccabi fans murdered or killed since the start of the war were honored, Nachmias said: “This gesture by the fans was extremely emotional. I explained to Enric Saborit, who was standing next to me, what it was all about, as we were both moved by it. Such gestures are something this club knows to do, and I mean the fans and the club. During the war all the players rose to the occasion as we went everywhere attending funerals and memorial services in a bid to try and console families of fans. We are still in touch today with some families. Personally, I am still in contact with the father of Adir Portugal R.I.P as well as Ariel Zohar whose family were murdered. The club ensured we remain part of all this, so as far as I am concerned my love to Maccabi received an even bigger boost. Those gestures the fans are doing to other fans who lost their lives during this war makes me emotional time after time.”
