Coach Van Leven complimented the players on the respectable performance against Shakhtar, but they also know that the chances of moving on to the next stage are almost non-existent. • Tennenbaum: "We have proven that we are a strong team.
The Yellows feel that more could have been spent
Photo:
Alan Shiver
A huge feeling of missing out on Maccabi Tel Aviv after the 2: 0 loss to Shakhtar Donetsk last night (Thursday).
"We were worth at least a draw, probably a goal, but Shakhtar played in first gear," said one of the champion's players, who knows that the chance of winning 0: 3 in a rematch in Ukraine is almost non-existent.
Coach Patrick Van Leven complimented his players on the respectable performance against Shakhtar.
"They have the right mentality, and I was pleased with the spirit they brought," said the Dutchman, who drew confidence for the future following the performance, adding: "I believe that in the coming seasons Maccabi Tel Aviv will also be able to compete in the advanced stages in Europe."
Van Leven was asked if he would have preferred to be able to add more foreign players as is happening in Shakhtar, to which he replied: "I know there have been discussions here in Israel. More foreigners will add qualities to the team, but Israeli football should focus on developing and promoting young Israeli players." .
The outstanding player at Maccabi was without a doubt the goalkeeper Daniel Tennenbaum, who provided a series of saves, and proved once again that there is someone to rely on between the posts: "It was a difficult game. We knew Shakhtar are a very high level team," "Our game is very good. It sucks a bit the goal we conceded in extra time because if we only lost 1-0 it is a completely different result, but we are with our heads forward. We have proven that we are a strong team that can face a team of the highest level."
