Maccabi Tel Aviv Coach Oded Katash Discusses Team's Challenges Ahead of Besiktas Clash

Maccabi Tel Aviv's head coach, Oded Katash, spoke ahead of the team's EuroLeague game against Turkish club Besiktas, which features four former Maccabi players. Katash acknowledged the team's need for improvement following an opening loss to Villeurbanne, stating, "We had a lot to learn from the first game. It's an early stage and we still need to connect." He emphasized the importance of aggression, both offensively and defensively, and noted that the team needs to be "a little meaner."

Katash also confirmed that John DiBartolomeo will not travel with the team due to his brother's wedding, and Gor Lavi is out with an injury. The coach expressed frustration over playing home games abroad, calling it "not easy to start another season away" and stating, "There is no reason why the games shouldn't be in Israel."

Guard Jimmy Clark echoed Katash's sentiments about playing away from home, emphasizing the need for the team to connect for the full 40 minutes, play strong defense, and bring energy. Clark also agreed with the coach, saying, "Seeing how everything is normal here, there is no reason why the games shouldn't be in Israel. We hope it happens soon."

Maccabi Tel Aviv is set to play Besiktas in Belgrade, aiming for their first EuroLeague victory of the season after a significant win in the Winner Cup quarter-finals.