Not easy years have passed for Hapoel Tel Aviv fans. Since the double in the 2009/10 season, the club has experienced a painful deterioration, which included a severe economic crisis, a change of ownership, relegation, and for seven years the Reds fans have not seen a victory over hated rival Maccabi Tel Aviv in the derby.
While the Khodorov complex is trying to recover the system and enjoying a successful season opener, the club is currently marking 20 years since the team's miraculous European journey in the UEFA Cup somewhere in the 2001/02 season - which stopped only in the quarterfinals of the second most important factory in those days. The greatest who landed in Israeli football, probably one of the favorites at Gate 5, gave a special interview to "Israel Today" and longingly remembered the days when they will hardly ever return.
"We had a just fantastic team," said the former midfielder, who now owns the Hungarian second division Aldas team and a local football school. "Not beyond, we did not set a goal too far. The key was that we believed we could beat even teams like Chelsea, Pharma and Milan."
What was so special about your group?
"We trained very hard, we had insane discipline, and of course luck. We felt we could break walls. Another thing is of course the love of Hapoel's people and fans, it's something I will never forget, I am grateful for that. I remember the songs before and during the games. "I had duck skin and it gave me incredible energy. I never felt like a foreigner in Israel, I could live there even now. Ramon, my eldest son, used to say that he enjoyed everything there - from school, football, life."
Kashtan, Photo: Ami Shumen
What things happened in that wonderful season you will not forget?
"There are a lot of moments. For example when Kashtan fired Milan Ostrz from the squad just before the rematch against Locomotive because he dyed his hair, the cold in Moscow, which was probably the game with the lowest temperature I played in my life, and of course the cigar I smoked with Motti Orenstein, the owner. "I will not forget Shavit Elimelech's huge game against Chelsea in London. In the 75th minute he suffered a muscle contraction and the English were sure he was trying to waste time."
One of the most memorable things from that journey was an event from the sensational win over Chelsea at Bloomfield.
After Shimon Gershon gave Hapoel Tel Aviv the lead, Yossi Aboksis approached the Hapoel players who were celebrating and lifted them off the floor to try to score another goal, which did happen in the end, when Aboksis found the head of striker Sergei Kalashchenko on the way to a 0: 2 recall For generations. "I really liked playing with Yossi, he understood the game perfectly," Holmai recalled excitedly. "Through his body language and eyes we could tell what he was going to do.
He was a great leader on and off the field, and that's really something not every player would do.
It's something special. "
Signed: Bachar, Toema, Balili, Holmai, Abutbul (joined the following season) and Kashtan, Photo: Alan Shiber
Rahmin's faith
We also remember the fact that Shavit Elimelech was absent from the rematch against Parma at Tardini Stadium.
Nir Rahmin, the assistant goalkeeper, had to replace him, which caused a great deal of concern in the red camp.
Holmai well remembers the trust they placed in the talented goalkeeper, who then retired following recurring injuries.
"We knew Nir and we knew he was a wonderful goalkeeper, but we did not know how he would function in such a situation, in a game in front of a large and hostile crowd. The most exciting thing was that in concluding training Shavit talked to him, prepared him great and supported him one hundred percent."
What do you think is the greatest achievement in this crazy journey?
"To beat Chelsea, an empire in England, in two games. It's something I can't digest to this day."
Was this the biggest year of your career?
"I think my three years in Israel were my best period in football. Of course it's a lot thanks to the crowd, goal 5, all the team around. Those were great days. I arrived in Israel just before the age of 30, when I was very balanced and relaxed. I enjoyed it so much, all the time. I said to myself, 'It was worth investing in my childhood just to get to those moments.' "
Kalashchenko in front of Costa Kurta, Photo: Gettyimages
In recent years, Hapoel Tel Aviv has been going through a very difficult period, professionally and administratively. Do you follow it or Israeli football?
"Of course I follow Israeli football, especially Hapoel Tel Aviv.
I know those were not easy days, but now we are at the top (laughs).
I watched the game of the young teams between Hungary and Israel, you have quite a few talented players. "
In recent years, Hungarian football has been on the rise.
In his last Euro, the Hungarian team made a very difficult life for Portugal, Germany and France at the House of Death.
While Israel is trying to find a formula that will elevate it to a major tournament after more than 50 years, Holmai advises us to be patient.
"Our government has made great efforts to make this happen. We have built new stadiums and modern training facilities, set up youth academies, provided better tax conditions for foreign players. Do it step by step, these things do not come at once."
