Agent Claims Maccabi Tel Aviv Coach Ignored Player Nicolascu

Ion Nicolascu will remain with Maccabi Tel Aviv despite his ongoing recovery from injury and interest from Hapoel Ramat Gan, his agent Rafi Epstein revealed on Thursday. Epstein detailed the Moldovan player's difficult integration into the team, stating that coach Vladimir Ivić barely acknowledged Nicolascu upon his signing.

"Ivic didn't even say hello to him when he signed in Serbia, he didn't shake his hand," Epstein said. "Ion called me asking if everything was okay because the coach walked past him like he was air. After how he behaved, it's clear he didn't want him." Epstein added that Nicolascu was confused during his first months with the club, suggesting that without intervention from others, he might not have played at all.

Epstein also claimed that Ivić's treatment of Nicolascu was similar to his handling of Stav Lemkin, who was also benched until he performed well in the playoffs. "There was ignoring. Everyone saw it," Epstein stated, quoting former player Gili Vermouth who suggested that psychological factors contribute to injuries like ligament tears, especially when a player is not playing regularly.

Epstein expressed frustration, asserting that Nicolascu's injury stemmed from frustration and a lack of belief, leading to a fear of making mistakes. He claimed he never interfered with coaches but felt Nicolascu was sidelined despite having the highest contract. Epstein mentioned a Zoom call with Ivić and Ben before Nicolascu signed, but described it as "not real."