Hapoel Tel Aviv Returns to Sofia Amid EuroLeague Preparations and Tension
Hapoel Tel Aviv returned to Sofia after a short stint in Israel, preparing for their upcoming EuroLeague clash against Bayern Munich amid internal tensions following a derby defeat.
After spending five days in Israel, Hapoel Tel Aviv returned to its base in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Friday evening. The Reds will begin preparations for their upcoming EuroLeague game against Bayern Munich this Thursday, after which a depleted squad will return for the Winner Cup quarter-finals next Saturday night in Hadera against the winner of the match between Maccabi Rishon LeZion and Hapoel Beersheba.
Yesterday, Hapoel held a video briefing and team meeting following their SuperCup derby defeat to Maccabi Tel Aviv. Following the meeting, the players and staff attended media day, attempting to project business as usual.
As head coach Dimitris Itoudis noted, the meeting had originally been scheduled for 8:00 AM. However, overnight, the club informed the players that the meeting was postponed and ultimately took place at 12:00 PM. According to several sources, the reason stems from EuroLeague Players Association rules, which prohibit early morning meetings the day after a game, following an inquiry made to the organization. Officially, Hapoel explained that the delay was due to logistical constraints that prevented holding it on such short notice.
During the meeting itself, the schedule change was raised, and tensions slightly flared. One player remarked afterward, "We have to get past this quickly, this is no way to start a season. Things are leaking from behind closed doors, and we aren't even a month into the season."
Various sources within the EuroLeague Players Association explained that the organization officially does not disclose details regarding inquiries made by players, but confirmed that league rules stipulate no activities can be scheduled before 12:00 PM on the day following an official EuroLeague game. "Physiologically, players need their rest," explained a player who serves on the organization's board.
