Oz Blazer will leave today with the players of the Israeli national team for Poland, where they will meet the local team in the 2023 World Cup qualifiers (Thursday, 21:30 Israel time).
Three days later, the team will host Estonia at the Shlomo Group Hall.
In parallel with the intensive training with the team, Blazer also dealt with his future in the past week, until he signed for two years at Hapoel Jerusalem.
"I have a quiet mind now that I have found a team," he told Israel Today in a first and special interview since the signing.
"I have a bit of pressure now because I have to move apartment with the family after we have settled in the central area and it is not easy, but there are no more phones and professionally I am much calmer."
You have not been on the team for four years, how happy are you to return, and how much do you want to play in the next two games?
"I'm very happy to be back. I missed it because I felt I had a place on the team given what I did in the league, the teams I led and the places I went to, and now I thank the team that invited me.
"First of all, I want to enjoy the team and I come with an attitude of contributing everything I can, whether it is from my experience or on the pitch. Of course I would love to play, but when it comes to the team everyone has to put their ego aside and do everything to make the team successful. Whatever they need from me. "
You are now 14 players, and Danny Abdia will join the European Championship, Gabi Chachashvili will return, and there may be further changes. Did you set a goal to be on the roster for the championship?
"There is no doubt. We all want to be on the final roster, and if that happens I would be very happy. But I do not feel the need to prove anything, and if they invite me I will be the happiest there in the world. "I bring. There are some of the most talented and deep staff we have had, and the coach has a difficult dilemma. Anyone who stays out will be a pity."
"I would love to be on the field and contribute"
The 29-year-old Blazer (1.99m) has played for Maccabi Tel Aviv for the past two years. When the season ended, it was clear that he would not continue in the yellow and after a few weeks he moved to the capital, preferring the Jerusalemites over Hapoel Holon.
Hapoel Jerusalem coach Dzikic.
Blazer feels connected, Photo: Udi Citation
Did you have any other suggestions, why did you choose Hapoel Jerusalem?
"First of all, I had good conversations with Guy Harel (CEO - YM) and with the coach. I felt I fit the coach's philosophy both in character and professionally. What was even more important to me was that from the first moment they showed me that they really wanted me.
"They showed a very great willingness for me to be there, so negotiations were relatively easy.
Once I felt a connection with the management and the coach I realized this was the right place for me.
"The situation also looks good and suitable for me. I come to lead and be a significant part of the team. I talked to the coach and he has a mentality of hard work and victories, and that is exactly what I bring.
"I have always loved playing in the arena, because I get energies even with the crowd is against me, and now that they will be on my side it will be even better. I'm sure there will be a committed and fun team and I wanted to be a part of it."
Expand a little on your conversation with coach Djikic.
"He explained to me what he wants from me. He has a very big emphasis on the character of the players who will come, guys who like to work hard, players who will want to be together and be willing to build a great whole out of its parts.
"Professionally he believes in a lot of movement without a ball, he plans to bring good morals with IQ high basketball and wants a very intense team. He believes in high energies in defense and offense and with the crowd in the arena it can succeed."
I looked at your career and saw that each team stays at least two years, if not longer. Do you feel that you can stay in Jerusalem for a few years too?
"I always believe that if good then everyone wants to continue. I signed for two years and I hope there will be an amazing connection and we will continue for a few more years. Everywhere I went I connected with people and the audience and stayed in touch with people from every team I played for - Herzliya, Maccabi Haifa, Rishon and Maccabi.
"Everywhere I go I like to connect and give everything, and people appreciate it. From the moment I signed in Jerusalem my phone kept ringing and beeping. I received a lot of messages already waiting for me. So I believe a good time awaits us."
Do you think that in Jerusalem you can be a more significant player than in Maccabi Tel Aviv
?
In the first year at Maccabi, there were times when I was very significant and also won the title of player of the month.
I was one of the significant Israelis in the league, and I came to Jerusalem to do so throughout an entire season.
The burden of proof is also on me, to come and lead.
I am at a stage in my career where I am built to lead a large group like Jerusalem and to be much more significant. "
How do you sum up the two years at Maccabi Tel Aviv?
"I'm glad I got there, it was a good decision for me.
I won titles, and in the State Cup last season I had a huge part, and I was also part of the championship.
The second season went a little less well, personally and professionally, but I grew up in it a lot as a person and as an actor and learned what to concentrate on, and only deal with what I can control.
"Unfortunately there were things I was not in control of last season. Everyone saw that I remained a professional all the way, and no matter how much I got - I always gave everything. I am proud of the way I did last year, and now everyone is going their separate ways."
Blazer in Maccabi Tel Aviv uniform. Left without complaining, Photo: Alan Shiver
If it was up to you, would you like to stay at Maccabi?
"After the last year it was clear to both sides that we were going in the direction of a breakup, but that's part of the business. "I realized that this is less the place for me. Hapoel Jerusalem is the best option for me, so I chose it."
Finally, what are your goals for the upcoming season?
"In the team, I want us to win the next two games, they are very important to us, and of course I would love to be on the field and contribute. At Hapoel Jerusalem, I want the players and the crowd to enjoy. I come to Jerusalem to take titles.
"There was a lot of talk about what happened in the Cup semi-final last season when I shouted to Ami Bitton (team manager at Maccabi Tel Aviv - YM) 'That's why I'm here', so that's why I came to Jerusalem - to take titles."
Were we wrong?
Fixed!
If you found an error in the article, we would love for you to share it with us