Dor Perezt celebrated his 50th appearance for Maccabi this season with a 1-0 victory over second place Maccabi Haifa which increased the lead at the top of the table to 8 points. The 28-year-old midfielder, said after the game which took Maccabi a step closer towards the league title: “From the first moment we showed what was our target. We had it in our heads to win rather than salvage a draw” Peretz said, ”Our attitude and application right from the start was amazing. We were aggressive and fortunately it manifested itself in the result. We are delighted now as it is an important victory here over Maccabi Haifa, but we still have plenty of work. It is not over just yet and until we officially secure this title there is no room for celebrations.”
On Maccabi’s impressive defensive display, Peretz added: “A defensive game is a team effort. Just as there are no single players to blame when mistakes occur, this is also part of a team. Our defensive display today was perfect. We were there to jump on every loose ball and didn’t give them a single chance besides Gadi Kinda’s header near the end which struck the post. We could be very proud of ourselves for the form we showed, for our will to win every dual and take it forward for the rest of our season.”
With owner Mitch Goldhar and his representative Jack Angelides both present, Perertz was asked whether their influence inspired the team: “I don’t know, because we do our best in every game we play. The fact they are here now just intensifies the fact we would like to win for ourselves and for them. Mitch totally deserves it, for all his investment over the years. I am just happy that this is exactly what happened today”.
As for the importance of beating their bitter rivals at their home ground, Peretz added: “Winning here is massive especially as you give the fans a great feeling of travelling back home happy.”
Answering claims made by Haifa’s captain, Lior Rafaelov, that they are a better at football, Peretz said: “I have a feeling that every time before a match against Maccabi Haifa when we are interviewed then we are asked to comment about something someone from Maccabi Haifa either their coach or one of their players said. After the game we are asked to comment on something they said as well. So, they can talk about us, and focus on us but as long as results go in our favor, they can continue talking and focusing on us, while we will continue doing our job and focusing on ourselves.”
Peretz, who will be suspended from the next match against Hapoel Be’ersheva summed up: “We will need to continue doing our job. Every match is important for us. Once we secure the title we will celebrate.”
