Just before the start of the season, Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball coach Yannis Sapropoulos talks about his goal for the next five years: "To bring Maccabi to be nominated for the Final Four every year, and maybe win once or twice."
Final Four, perhaps.
Sapropolus
Photo:
Kfir Ziv
Yannis Sapropoulos, Maccabi Tel Aviv's basketball coach, will never be caught yelling, bragging or pulling from the waist.
This is just not the man.
Most not full of himself, most not Israeli.
This is probably the secret of his charm, and what immediately bought him the love of the temple.
In an interview with Shishvat, the Greek coach of the Yellows reveals what was behind his strategic decision to stay here even during the Corona epidemic, how he prepares the team for a season without a crowd and with a lot of uncertainty and declares - "My goal is that in the next five years Maccabi will be nominated for the final ".
"My and my family's lives are in Tel Aviv. We are connected to the lives of Israelis. Israel is a very safe country. Now there may be more people infected, but that is only because the people here are very sociable and it is difficult for them to keep their distance."
Are you worried about the corona?
"Yes, I'm a little worried. Hopefully it will not hurt basketball here and in Europe beyond what has already been hurt. We, at Maccabi and our families, are taking every measure to be saved."
Also on the field, this season stability seems to be the key word for the Yellows.
"We are very excited and already looking forward to playing the first game," says Yannis.
"All the teams finished last season late, and we may not start the new season in top form, but that's normal. I can't wait any longer."
What are your goals this season?
"We are fighting for all the goals and want to win them all. We want four trophies. It will not be easy, but we will try to do our best."
Will you reach the Final Four?
"I do not know. I can not guarantee that we will reach the Final Four this season. We are building a team, and our team depends on many things. My goal for the next five years is that Maccabi will be nominated for the Final Four every year, and if it qualifies for the Final Four three times or twice or twice. "I did mine. I think so."
Do you have a better team today than last season?
"Yes. I do not want to build a team of fireworks that will rise and then crash. My goal is to build a strong team that will last for many years. I want Maccabi to be a candidate for the Final Four, and if we get there - we will fight very hard to win."
