Maccabi Tel Aviv Seeks Recovery Against Hapoel Ramat Gan

Maccabi Tel Aviv will look to bounce back from their painful Toto Cup final defeat as they travel to face Hapoel Ramat Gan at the Rehovot stadium on Monday at 20:00. The Yellows enter the ninth matchday at the top of the Premier League table, and a victory over the newly promoted side will secure their first-place standing for another week.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, manager Kenny Miller addressed the recent disappointments: "It is disappointing to lose a cup final and a derby. We could have played with more energy, and our attacking intensity was not what it usually is. We must learn from this, and tomorrow's game will be completely different. We are disappointed, but we are looking forward. This is a league match, we are unbeaten, and we lead the standings. After experiencing a bad game, you must know how to recover. That is what I am focused on."

Miller also commented on goalkeeper Ofek Melika: "Unfortunately, when goalkeepers make mistakes, it is always prominent. When you are a goalkeeper, you are always under a magnifying glass. We believe in him and are confident he will bounce back."

Regarding James Tavernier, Miller explained: "We play differently than Rangers, where he was a huge part of the attacking game. Here, he supports the front line more. I knew it would take him time, but I expect him to reach full fitness after the international break. I have no doubts about him."

Elad Madmon shared his thoughts on the recent derby loss: "These are not easy feelings. We could have brought more to this game and performed better. The derby is important to everyone, and we are very disappointed, but now we are looking ahead. There is another game, and we will come to win."