Most of Maccabi Tel Aviv’s foreign players have already returned to Israel ahead of the official start of training on Tuesday evening at Kiryat Shalom. Some players also reported Monday morning to the Shamir Medical Center, Assaf Harofeh, for medical tests and examinations.
Christian Blizic, who extended his contract during the offseason and stayed at the club after Maccabi bought his rights from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, said, “I feel blessed to return to this country. I love Israel. The vacation is over. We need to start working.”
Blizic could appear on Wednesday before the Israel Football Association’s disciplinary court to testify about the violence that followed the State Cup final against Hapoel Be'er Sheva. He is currently facing a requested ban of eight matches in play and eight more suspended, as sought by association prosecutor attorney Gilad Bergman. He also faces an indictment for allegedly hitting a Hapoel Be'er Sheva fan at Turner Stadium during the playoffs, in a case for which the prosecutor is seeking a two-match suspension.
During the break, Maccabi Tel Aviv decided to activate the option and purchase the Serbian midfielder, believing and hoping he will spend far more time on the pitch than in the stands next season. Club officials believe that, if healthy and fit, Blizic can make a major contribution.