Agent Claims Coach Ignored Player Nikolaescu at Maccabi Tel Aviv

The agent of footballer Yon Nikolaescu, Rafi Epstein, claims that Maccabi Tel Aviv coach Pako Ayestarán ignored Nikolaescu upon his arrival at the club, failing to even shake his hand. Epstein stated that Nikolaescu called him, asking if everything was alright because the coach had passed him by as if he were invisible. Epstein believes Ayestarán did not want Nikolaescu on the team initially, causing the player confusion and distress during his first months.

Epstein further alleged that Ayestarán only began to rely on Nikolaescu after the player was on the verge of leaving, and that the coach's treatment was similar to that of another player, Stav Lemkin, whom Epstein claims Ayestarán almost 'ruined' by benching him until the playoffs. Epstein suggested that the pressure and frustration from this situation may have contributed to Nikolaescu's knee ligament injury.

Despite his frustrations, Epstein expressed a desire for Nikolaescu to play now, noting that he has never interfered with coaches in his 30-year career. He recalled a Zoom call with Ayestarán and another individual before Nikolaescu signed, which he also felt was disingenuous. Nikolaescu ultimately remained with Maccabi Tel Aviv despite his recovery period and interest from Hapoel Ramat Gan.