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Omri Gandelman: "We want to go the farthest in the State Cup as well" | Israel today

2023-01-22T09:43:51.211Z


The rivalry against Hapoel BS: "Everyone on the street makes sure to talk to me about it" • The promotion to the league from winning the Toto Cup: "A significant step to turn the season around" • And the rehabilitation while the team is in crisis: "It gave me a drive to come back quickly" • After relaxing from the celebrations, the Maccabi League Netanya Omri Gandelman meets the Reds again tonight, this time in the league


Four days after Maccabi Netanya won the Toto Cup against Hapoel BS, these two teams will meet again tonight. This time it will be at Turner Stadium, as part of the 19th round of the Premier League, and it can be estimated that this game will be full of emotions and action, like most meetings between the teams .

"There has been such a rivalry between the teams in recent years (since B.S. relegated Netanya to the league, Sha.A)," says Netanya midfielder Omri Gandelman, in an interview with "Israel Hayom", and adds: "Everyone I meet on the street before the games against B.S. "S makes sure to talk to me about the rivalry.

Our fans really wanted us to win the Toto Cup title, also because it was against them, so it was very sweet."

How did it feel to win a title with Maccabi Netanya?

"Great fun, very exciting. In the end, the Toto Cup is a title for everything and it was very important for us to lift this trophy. We already wanted to make this leap, and we succeeded. We know how long Maccabi Netanya has not won a title in the Premier League, and how much the club And our audience was waiting for it. We have many young players for whom it's a bachelor's degree, and from the first moment we knew there was no way we were leaving the field without the trophy. It was very difficult for us, but the harder it was - the sweeter it was."

How far can winning a title like the Toto Cup push you in the league?

"Beyond the fact that this title brought with it joy, it can also add a lot of confidence to us for the continuation of our goals. We want to look good in the league as well and continue the momentum against BS in the league.

We can make this season a good one and we have already taken a significant step.

A year ago you conducted an interview with me and I told you that I dream of winning a title with Maccabi Netanya, so now I hope that this title will be the first of many."

Can you also dream of the state cup?

"We have goals both there and in the league. We are not afraid to say that we want to go the farthest in the state cup as well. Of course it will be difficult against Maccabi Haifa, but we will do our best to pass a stage."

Hoisting the Toto Cup last Wednesday, photo: Alan Shiver

"The Ambition - Europe"

The 22-year-old Gundelman was one of the outstanding players last season in Netanya.

He made one appearance in the uniform of the senior Israel national team and was courted by Maccabi Tel Aviv, but in the summer he faced a serious injury, underwent meniscus surgery, and was sidelined from any activity for more than three months. The big crisis that Tania experienced at the beginning of the season.

"The truth is that we started the work quite well with the games in Europe against Shakshier, then we also beat Maccabi Tel Aviv in the European competition and Beitar Jerusalem," he recalled, "there were many games in which we failed to express ourselves, but there were also games in which we were Good at them and we just couldn't get points, then it snowballed like that. It was hard to see the team like that from the sidelines, but it gave me a big drive to come back fast.

"Even during the injury, it was important for me to get to the training complex and be there to help in whatever way I could. The injury came at a bad time personally, but I believe that what needs to happen happens. I did a good rehabilitation and came back."

Gundelman watches over Elias.

Aimed at Europe, photo: Alan Shiver

Were you surprised when Ran Kozhuk got the appointment instead of Benny Lam?

"Ren was with us all this time, and it was clear to us, the players, that he would take the reins after Benny left. Even as an assistant, he was dominant in training and in the dressing room, and I think he will succeed."

Finally, what are your short and long term goals?

"The biggest goal right now is to reach the top playoffs with Maccabi Netanya. Personally, I want to lead the team and present good games. I think that if the team is successful, I will also be successful personally, and we saw that happen last year.

"I don't hide that my ambition is to go to Europe and advance, but first I have to continue to have a good season in Maccabi Netanya, that we meet our goals, and from there God is great."

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Source: israelhayom

All sports articles on 2023-01-22

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