Davida Calls Europa League Exit 'Lowest Point' After Maccabi Tel Aviv Win

Maccabi Tel Aviv winger Oscar Davida described the team's recent Europa League elimination as "perhaps the lowest point of my career," but expressed relief and satisfaction following their 3-1 victory over Maccabi Haifa in the Israeli Premier League on Monday. Davida, who scored a spectacular goal in the match, stated that the win was crucial for the team's morale after their European disappointment.

Davida acknowledged a difficult start to the season, marked by injury and speculation about the club seeking a foreign right winger. However, he feels he has been playing well in the last four or five games and is confident in his ability to contribute. He welcomed potential new signings, believing they would strengthen the squad for the long season ahead.

Reflecting on coaching styles, Davida noted similarities between current coach Keni Gebe and previous coach Roni Levy, emphasizing Gebe's preference for wing play and encouraging attacking flair. He also commented on the potential signing of James Tavernier, whom he knows by reputation as a strong player, but expressed uncertainty about the transfer's validity.

The winger also expressed immense joy over the return of teammate Gabi Kanyukovsky, whose signing was announced shortly before the match. Davida highlighted Kanyukovsky's positive impact on him personally and praised his character. Davida also discussed his own performance dip in the previous season compared to his earlier success, attributing it partly to injury and hard work on his mental game during the summer.

Addressing media criticism about the team's perceived lack of depth, Davida asserted that Maccabi Tel Aviv has a strong squad, though he acknowledged the need for a few key additions. He believes the team is underestimated and expressed confidence that they will prove doubters wrong by the end of the season. The team is now focused on their next match against the reigning champions.