Gabi Kanichowsky captained Maccabi on a night the team ended a run of four successive defeats and a traumatic trip to Amsterdam by beating Bnei Sakhnin 4-0 behind closed doors in Acco.
The 27-year-old midfielder who set up one of the goals in Maccabi’s seventh victory of the season, said at the end of the match: “What we experienced last week was extremely difficult, my heart goes out to the fans. Even my brother was there,” Kanikowsky said of the shocking scenes the team and fans experienced in Amsterdam, “It is really complex days for the fans as it was important for us to show that everything was fine and that we are with them. Even at a tough match, to step down from the highest stage to a match behind closed doors – I am just happy that the entire team did a good job today.”
“What we had seen and experienced, the fans, the families, experienced things I really don’t remember,” he added, “It is tough but I’m happy that everyone returned home safely. You see the pictures and feel helpless but I’m happy that they returned home and that we won for them.”
On the team has been coping with the situation, Kanichowsky added: “”We spoke with each other that we’re obviously tired, but the mental side of things is the most powerful. We said that this is a game which is played in our minds and I’m glad we proved it. With all the hardships and all that we have been through, I’m delighted we did it.”
Kanichowsky hit back at those who disrespected Maccabi following the recent result: “We are always eulogized, but we are still joint top and have the same number of points as Beitar Jerusalem. We have a crazy overload, a new team and a new coach. But let them talk. We’re doing our part and that’s the most important thing.”
Kanichowsky paid tribute to fellow midfielder Joris van Overeem who scored his debut goal for Maccabi: “I am delighted for Joris, after he scored his first goal for Maccabi. I am really happy for him.”
