George Jovanovich: "The Red Star will oust Maccabi Haifa"

Maccabi Tel Aviv striker in an interview in Serbia: "The atmosphere in the stadium in Haifa should not scare the players, they are used to it."

And also: the relationship with Eran Zahavi ("gave me good advice") and the sting he sent to the Greens

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sport

08/17/2022

Wednesday, August 17, 2022, 08:35

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Djorja Jovanovic's goal against Aris Thessaloniki (Sport1)

George Jovanovic arrived in Israel half a year ago and quickly became one of the leading players in Israel.

The Maccabi Tel Aviv striker also met Maccabi Haifa twice in the top playoffs and scored against the greens when the yellows won 1:3 in Carmel last season.

This morning (Wednesday) he was interviewed in Serbia and was asked about the balance of power ahead of the Champions League playoffs between the champions of Israel and Serbia.

"You're asking me for a prediction for the game? I don't know what will happen in Israel, but I think that in the rematch, the Red Star is the favorite and will knock out Maccabi Haifa," said Jovanovich, "I think that the Red Star in Belgrade is a higher quality team, with better and more experienced players I think the star has strengthened well this summer and is ready to be part of the Champions League."

When asked if Maccabi Haifa is the best team in Israel, he replied: "Yes, that's true, but this is also the team that got a point from us in extra time and that we beat them 1:3 at home.

Scored against Maccabi Haifa last season.

Yovanovich (Photo: Danny Maron)

Maccabi Haifa's strengths: "This is a very attacking team, which is willing to take risks. Atzili and Haziza are very dangerous players on the wings, and even if Atzili was not dominant in the last games, he has a great influence on the team. Maccabi Haifa's game against Olympiakos was a dream and seemed almost Amiti after Olympiakos still led the game in Israel. Maccabi Haifa also has Piero and Palanich who leads the defense, but I think I've said enough good things about Maccabi Haifa."

The expected atmosphere in Haifa: "It's very hot, all the tickets have already been sold and the audience is sitting very close to the grass, but with all due respect the Red Star is also used to this kind of atmosphere in its games and it's not something that should scare it."

Before also talking about Maccabi Tel Aviv, Jovanovich was asked who he is betting on that will advance to the group stage of the Champions League: "I stand behind my prediction that the Red Star is the favorite to qualify for the Champions League."

More in Walla!

"People watched someone in distress and did nothing. This disturbing side interested us"

In collaboration with the lottery

"He gave me some advice."

Jovanovich on Zahavi (photo: Danny Maron)

As far as his team is concerned, Jovanovich said: "So far everything has worked for us according to the plan. In the conference playoffs we will play against Nice and in football anything can happen...why don't we also get through the game in France safely? I came to Israel because I thought it was the right and best choice for me and my opinion It hasn't changed even now. I scored 13 goals and scored three more and I think this season I can improve the numbers."

At the end, Jovanovich said about Eran Zahavi: "He is a serious player and a wonderful person, he also gave me some good advice and we understand each other well. I hope that we both score a lot this season and can help Maccabi succeed."

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• Djorja Jovanovic

• Maccabi Tel Aviv in football

• Maccabi Haifa