Maccabi Tel Aviv a Different Class, Says Hapoel Jerusalem Coach
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Hapoel Jerusalem's coach Sasha Obradovic stated Maccabi Tel Aviv is on a different level after their semi-final loss. He cited turnovers and poor offensive decisions as key factors in the defeat, while acknowledging his team's effort.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Maccabi Tel Aviv defeated Hapoel Jerusalem in the Winner Cup semi-finals.
- Hapoel's coach acknowledged Maccabi's superior level and tactical execution.
- Turnovers and poor offensive decisions were cited as reasons for Hapoel's loss.
- Lorenzo Brown is set to debut for Hapoel Jerusalem in European play.
- Roy Huber was a healthy scratch due to a coaching decision.
Hapoel Jerusalem's coach, Sasha Obradovic, acknowledged that his team was outclassed by Maccabi Tel Aviv in their recent Winner Cup semi-final loss, stating Maccabi is "a team on a different level" than what they have faced previously. Obradovic described the game as Hapoel's "first real test" of the season, admitting that the absence of a lead guard was a factor, forcing players to shift positions. Despite the loss, he praised his players' effort and tactical execution, though he noted that Maccabi's player Bristo caused them significant problems.
Obradovic pointed to poor offensive decisions and 19 turnovers, which led to easy points for Maccabi, as key reasons for the defeat. He felt Hapoel lost momentum in the first half despite a solid defensive effort, and that Maccabi capitalized quickly on their mistakes. The coach believes this performance will serve as a valuable learning experience for his team, helping them assess their current standing.
Looking ahead, Obradovic expressed confidence that Maccabi Tel Aviv will be a strong team this season, suggesting the game might be a turning point for them. He plans to analyze the turnovers to prevent future occurrences. Meanwhile, Hapoel Jerusalem guard Lorenzo Brown, who previously played for Maccabi, is expected to make his European debut on Tuesday after recovering from a facial injury, receiving a warm welcome from the crowd. Player Roy Huber, fully fit, was a professional decision by the coach not to play.
