Ido Shachar: "I came back to life in the young team" | Israel today

Of the two upcoming games of the young Israeli team, tonight's meeting (18:30) against Poland at the Shlomo Insurance Stadium is without a doubt the most critical.

A victory will fix a five-point gap from the rival, which is also vying for promotion to Euro 2023, and will increase the chances of fighting for first place against strong Germany.

One of the stars of the team in the current campaign is Ido Shachar (20), who in the last three games in the national uniform scored two goals and scored another goal.

"We are not coming under pressure," Shahar clarified in a special interview with "Israel Today," "We want to win and that things will remain up to us. Prepare for this game just like the rest, and we will continue in the same way we have done until now."

Are we favorites against Poland at home?

"I do not think we are favorites, but we also do not deal with it. There is no doubt that the game at home, together with the audience that I hope will come, will add to the atmosphere and help us a lot."

Dawn.

One of the stars of the team in the current campaign, Photo: Alan Schieber

Are you aiming for first place or keeping second place?

"As long as it is possible and there is a chance - then it is clear that we are aiming for first place. We and Germany with the same number of points and there is another game between us, so anything can happen in football. "So we will fight for second place. The Poles are competing with us for the illegal immigration, and the game against them is a key game."

"A huge leap for a career"

Shahar was part of the Israeli boys' team, which in 2018 qualified for the European Championships until the age of 17. Alongside him in the team coached by Gadi Bromer, Liel Abda and Osher Davida also played - prominent players who will play tonight against the Poles.

Four years after the same achievement, these three players have the opportunity to approach another European Championship, not a trivial one in Israeli football.

Ido Shachar celebrates against Hapoel B'Shlosha. "Believes in full faith that we will stay in the league", Photo: Alan Shiber

"What sets this team apart is the fact that we are very cohesive. There is no drop of ego here between the players," says Shahar, a Maccabi Petah Tikva player (on loan from Maccabi Tel Aviv). "Everyone is pushing each other to success. This team reminds me a bit of that boys' team."

Do you understand what immigration to the Euro can do to your career?

"Obviously. If we do that and get to the Euros, it can be a huge leap for a career. There are a lot of eyes and a lot of exposure there, but we are really only focused on the next two games."

The insistence of Alon Hazan and professional manager Yossi Benyon that Daniel Peretz will play young, right?

"I'm not a professional, and it's not my job to determine if the decision is right or not. Obviously we want Daniel with us, it goes without saying. Apart from being an amazing goalkeeper and tremendous potential, he is also an amazing person and a waste of time. We have other good goalkeepers, like Omar Niron, for example, said that when Peretz was an adult, they played and did an excellent job. "

Ido Shachar in a Maccabi Tel Aviv uniform. "I barely played there", Photo: Berni Ardov

Do you think the young team got you back to business this season?

"Without a doubt. This is also my opportunity to say thank you to Alon Hazan and the entire team. It is not obvious to invite a player who does not play for his team. I had a difficult half-season at Maccabi Tel Aviv, because I barely played, and then I came back to life in the young team.

It also gives you confidence that you are playing and scoring goals.

The games were before January, and the team opens a lot of doors, so everything was in perfect timing. "

Do you think Hazan deserves to be the graduate's next coach?

"I went through several coaches, and I can tell you that Shalon is one of the best professionals in Israel. He is a professional who goes down to the smallest details with us. He is all focused on the young team and wants us to succeed. If you ask me, then I definitely think he deserves to coach the senior team." .

Will your team, Maccabi Petah Tikva, stay in the league?

"I believe wholeheartedly that we will stay in the league. Two months ago we were six points away from the red line, and Nir Klinger always told us that the goal is to reach the playoffs or above the red line or with the same balance of points - and we succeeded. It will be difficult, but I'm sure we will stay."

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