Altman the ace, Alkokin the joker, the crowd is the whole package: The magic of Hapoel Tel Aviv
Hapoel Tel Aviv arrived well-prepared for their match against Poland's Katowice, continuing their dominant run in Europe this season. Following a 0:2 victory, the players reflected on their performance: "We knew almost everything about them, but it mattered less because we played our own game, just like against Ludogorets. When we are focused and stick to the instructions, we are a very strong team."
Hapoel Tel Aviv arrived well-prepared for their match against Poland's Katowice, continuing their dominant run in Europe this season. Following a 0:2 victory, the players reflected on their performance:
"We knew almost everything about them, but it mattered less because we played our own game, just like against Ludogorets. When we are focused and stick to the instructions, we are a very strong team."
Elyaniv Barda praised his players at halftime, adding: "There is an opportunity here to finish it today; we are worth more goals." In the second half, the players grew slightly tired and naturally knew how to drop back to protect the result, especially during the minutes when the Poles bet everything on scoring a consolation goal.
Hapoel Tel Aviv tends to kill games off early, and Omri Altman is almost always involved in these special moments. He provided an assist in the first match against Ludogorets and again yesterday, and he scored the opener at home against Ludogorets—he is simply always there. Sometimes it seems he focuses his energy on these big games, leaving the less attractive ones to others. The turnaround Omri Altman has achieved at Hapoel Tel Aviv—within the club, the team, and in front of the fans—is one of those stories that make football so special.
Elyaniv Barda gave Roi Alkokin the start over Xande Silva, and the talented midfielder continued to deliver in Europe. It goes beyond his beautiful goal; it is what he brought to the position: excellent midfield coordination, superb ball movement, and intelligent play under pressure. He is not a regular starter, but this summer he is playing with the calm and confidence of a veteran. This could be the season he makes the leap everyone is talking about; he certainly does not lack talent.
2,200 fans accompanied the team to Miskolc, and Elyaniv Barda spoke afterwards about their influence. Players noted that "something in this stadium makes the crowd significant; even if the numbers aren't like at Bloomfield, you feel the support and the influence. It pushes us. If we had played without a crowd, we wouldn't be doing what we are doing so far in Europe."
Douglas Owusu met the players yesterday and will begin training with the team in Hungary, where they will remain before traveling to Poland for the second leg. Owusu told staff that he went through a difficult period with rumors regarding his medical condition following tests at Viktoria Plzen, and he simply wants to play football in a good, organized club. Hapoel officials stated: "We know well what we purchased and we have patience. There are no random signings at this club; we understand that things take time, and no one is being measured with a stopwatch."
