Exercise, preparing a daily schedule and reading a personal development book. This is Omri Gandelman's regular routine, every morning. With such a mentality and approach to life, it is no wonder that at only 21 he became the face of Maccabi Netanya, one of the stars of the team, and is already marked as the next exit. Of the diamonds.
Gandelman's breakthrough came last season, under the guidance of coach Raymond Atwald, but this season came the big explosion of the brake / contact.
He has the most minutes of play in the team (second after goalkeeper Danny Amos), he is ranked first in the Premier League in successful air fights, and two goals were also recorded.
Gandelman has not been interviewed since he dropped out of the alumni class, and is now giving a premiere interview to "Israel Today."
"Until sixth grade, I played football and basketball," Gandelman recalled. "They predicted a good future for me as a basketball player," he laughs.
Omri Gandelman in action.
Do not forget the moment of the summons to the team, Photo: Berni Ardov
It is no coincidence that Gandelman played basketball.
His father, Shmuel Gandelman, was a player at Hapoel Jerusalem, Maccabi Rishon LeZion, Maccabi Haifa and Elitzur Ramla. "You do not understand how much it helps when you have a father who was an athlete," he says. And knows exactly what an athlete is going through.
He's the first person I turn to in difficult moments.
There is not a day that we do not talk, he guides me and lets me believe in myself. "
How did you make the transition from youth to adulthood so smoothly?
"Each time I set myself small goals along the way. In the beginning to be a leading player in youth, from there to reach adulthood. When I marked these two 'V', the next goal was to become a leading vehicle player. Each time I mark another goal, and I never settle for what I achieve "
Omri Gandelman.
The breakthrough came last season, Photo: Alan Schieber
But even before Slobodan Drapic and Shai Barda - Netanya's former coaches - gave him his first chance in the seniors, Gandelman had a challenging experience in Germany, playing for more than a year in the youth of Wayne Weisbaden, who was then in the youth league.
At the end of the period, he was forced to return to Israel to serve in the IDF.
Did returning to Israel hurt you?
"Looking back, going to Germany is one of the best decisions I made in my career. I improved miraculously, as a player and as a person. It was not easy for me to be there alone for a year and a half, there were many difficulties and thoughts. Not just being in a foreign country, but football alone "24 hours a day, seven days a week. The coaches there and the team helped me improve myself, I did extra training, I learned German. I did not want to return to Israel, but I was happy to come to Netanya, which is also one of the best decisions I made."
"If we do not reach the playoffs - failure"
How will you sum up the season so far?
"We started it with Atwald, and the results were not good. Benny Lem came in and put enthusiasm, and now we are working on the instability. The fans did not like that we played less attractive, even though we brought points. In the second round we emphasized stability, and still did not lose. "We played excellent football against Bnei Sakhnin in the league, I think we are on the right track."
Bnei Lem.
"He has a different enthusiasm," Photo: Alan Schieber
What did Benny Lem sleep in the group?
"He has a different enthusiasm. Even at the smallest meeting, which is half a minute on the field, we feel it. He is a professional at the highest level, but beyond that - Maccabi Netanya is in his heart and soul. I hope we will be even better with him. By the way, My son improves me personally in every training and game. "
What was it like to get the role of team captain?
"In my character I am a leader, so I do not need a degree to do it. There is no doubt that being the captain of Maccabi Netanya is exciting and a great honor for me. Netanya is a club that has become my home, and when Aviv Avraham does not play or is replaced and I get the film - it is a great privilege ".
Omri Gandelman.
"Until sixth grade, I played basketball," Photo: Udi Citiat
Chairman that Netanya has not won a serious title for almost 40 years?
"Bringing a degree to Maccabi Netanya is a dream I can not explain. This year it can no longer happen, but when we get to the cup, there are always these thoughts. As one that Netanya entered his heart and became a home for him, I know what a degree can do for the club and the audience. Netanya will have something inconceivable. "
Do you prefer to play contact or brake?
"I feel comfortable playing in both roles. Being a versatile player is a big advantage. For example, it gives me the opportunity to know what the link players want from me when I play brake, and vice versa."
If Netanya does not qualify for the top playoffs, will it be a failure?
"Yes. Maccabi Netanya wants and should be in the top playoff. This club deserves to be there, and we will do everything to make it happen."
Tell us a little about your relationship with Almog Cohen.
"I admired him as a child, long before I knew him or even thought I would be at Maccabi Netanya. Almog had a wonderful career in Germany, and he always was
My model.
"From my first second in the seniors, he hugged me and taught me a lot, it's a privilege to play with him."
Almog Cohen.
"I adored him as a child," Photo: Bernie Ardov
"Europe? Working for it every day"
Do you remember the moment you received the summons to the Israeli team?
"This is a moment I will never forget. After training I was on my way to the base, cutting out the enlistment certificate. I turned on the phone and saw the summons, and I said to myself 'wow, is this real? I recently went to games and painted my face blue and white, and suddenly I'm part of the staff." "It was exciting. Suddenly a debut against Austria, it's a dream come true."
As part of the next generation of the team, do you believe you will qualify for a big tournament?
"Yes. I can tell you that the young team has so many players with great talent and a good locker room, so once they are the generation that will lead the senior - I believe we will bring significant achievements and pride to the country."
What about Europe?
"This is a goal that I work for every day. To reach these levels and be a legitimate player at these levels, you have to work endlessly. The main goal is to get there, but first I have the upcoming goals with Maccabi Netanya. My dream is to play in the Bundesliga."
Omri Gandelman.
Europe deep in his head, Photo: Udi Citiat
And as you may have realized, Gandelman constantly has new goals.
He wants to improve his speed, does neuro-cognitive training with Roni Cohen (who also worked for Dor Peretz), but his immediate goal is to beat Maccabi Tel Aviv once again on Saturday, this time in Bloomfield. "I think Maccabi Netanya, with this staff, Can beat any team.
We are coming to do that, and that also includes Maccabi Tel Aviv.
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