The game of the season has its own rules. Maccabi Tel Aviv has shown that it must not be eulogized, certainly not when history tells that in games against Maccabi Haifa it always delivers the goods. Tonight (Wednesday), similar to the previous 14 consecutive league games between the teams, the reigning champion did not lose to the Greens again and erased a delay on the way to a 1: 2 victory in Bloomfield. Thus, the gap from the leader is reduced to only 5 points.
“There was a close game between two good teams,” he said Tal Ben Haim At the end. “In most stages of the game it seemed to be going in the direction of a draw, we and they did not deserve too much to win. I would sign this script before the game. Congratulations, everywhere I hear Maccabi Haifa are favorites, here at home I do not think there should be anyone who is a favorite against us “It gave us a drive. Since I’ve been here, Haifa has never been a favorite against us. We like to say that it’s another game and it’s 3 points, but instead of 11 it’s 5, and now we give them the respect they deserve.”
When asked if the Yellows can take a championship, he replied: “Unequivocally. If we have someone on the roster who does not believe in it, he will not be here. If you do not return to this game quickly, you can mess up and bring the game to a very difficult situation. The game in a second and completely eliminates the goal of Haifa. The difference is simplicity, Maccabi Tel Aviv for many years plays a certain method with certain players. This is the simplicity that Patrick brought, 4-3-3 and each in his own role. That is what has brought about change in recent times. “
“In the first half we had a lot of difficulties with how Haifa played,” said the coach Patrick Van Leven. “We recovered from that and in the second half we had good moments trying to play. After that I started to believe we could produce situations. The championship fight is open? There is still a long way to go. We have taken a good step forward, and we will continue like this.”
Asked why Matan Hozaz, who gave him the penalty in extra time that led to the win, did not get credit, he replied: “Probably there is a reason he did not play before, but he showed a lot of progress and got the opportunity and showed it today.”
The Dutchman then concluded: “I was not happy with the first half. I saw that our team played football. It could be more stable, I have a job. It is part of our job that if we do not play our best, we have to fight to win. We showed good football, We have to be happy with the game clearly, a victory always gives a good feeling. “