Maccabi GM Coldebella Discusses EuroLeague Realities and Tel Aviv Life
Maccabi Tel Aviv GM Claudio Coldebella discussed the club's EuroLeague challenges, life in Tel Aviv, and the heavy toll of playing home games abroad.
Claudio Coldebella, the general manager of Maccabi Tel Aviv, recently spoke in an extensive interview in Italy about the complex reality facing the yellow squad in the EuroLeague, life in Tel Aviv, and the hope of returning to play home games in Israel.
Life in Tel Aviv vs. Prejudices
Coldebella, who has been living in Tel Aviv with his wife since taking over his role at Maccabi in 2025, addressed the common misconceptions abroad regarding the city's security situation. He described Tel Aviv as a beautiful and vibrant city, comparing it to a blend between Miami and New York due to its skyscrapers and energetic atmosphere. He emphasized that players often choose to extend their contracts because they genuinely feel comfortable and happy living there.
The EuroLeague Travel Burden
Despite the vibrant local life, the club faces immense athletic challenges due to playing its EuroLeague matches abroad, primarily in Belgrade. Coldebella pointed out the severe logistical disadvantage:
The problem is that we are constantly on the road. A team that plays against us can return home and practice, while we have to travel again. This is a quiet country, built to handle emergencies, but it is part of our history.
He added that playing on a neutral court undermines the fairness of the competition and strips the EuroLeague of its true value, contrasting it with the electric atmosphere of playing in front of 11,000 passionate fans in domestic league matches.
Historical Legacy and EuroLeague Ambitions
Defending Maccabi's rightful place in the European competition, Coldebella dismissed geographical technicalities by pointing to other distant participants like Dubai and parts of Russia. He proudly ranked Maccabi among the four most legendary clubs in European basketball history, alongside Real Madrid, Panathinaikos, and CSKA Moscow. Looking ahead to the current season, he tipped Olympiacos, Fenerbahce, and Panathinaikos for the Final Four, reserving the final spot for Maccabi under the hopeful condition of returning home.
