Maccabi Tel Aviv Guard Ife Lundberg Urges Calm After Cup Win

Maccabi Tel Aviv secured a spot in the Winner Cup final with a decisive 88:71 victory over Hapoel Jerusalem on Sunday, a win that eased pressure following a difficult week in the EuroLeague. The team had suffered two painful losses, starting their EuroLeague campaign with a 0:3 record. Guard Ife Lundberg, who had his contract extended over the summer amid high expectations, admitted his personal performance had been disappointing until the recent game. Lundberg, the MVP of last season's playoff finals series, found his form in the Toto Hall in Holon, scoring 14 points, 12 of which came in the decisive fourth quarter, helping Maccabi advance.

Speaking after the game, Lundberg expressed relief and optimism. "We feel good and happy to return to winning, but our eyes are already on [the EuroLeague game against] Olimpia Milan on Thursday," he stated. "This win was very important for us, a huge moral victory that will give us confidence going forward." He acknowledged the team's recent struggles in the EuroLeague, noting that "it's no secret we've had difficulties lately and the results weren't as we expected." Lundberg believes the convincing win against a quality opponent can provide the necessary momentum for the rest of the EuroLeague season.

Addressing the team's slow start in the EuroLeague, Lundberg suggested the team was still integrating, despite not being entirely new. He pointed to significant summer signings needing to adapt to new roles and expectations. "Ultimately, the shots weren't falling for us, and we really had three bad games," he said, emphasizing the need for improvement. "In the EuroLeague, if you make mistakes or don't defend well enough, it's a recipe for disaster, no matter who you play."

Lundberg remains confident in Maccabi's ability to rebound in the EuroLeague, urging against panic. "There's no reason to panic, only three games have passed," he asserted, drawing parallels to the team's strong start to the previous season. He stressed the team's consistent effort to win every game, acknowledging that sometimes external factors like poor shooting nights or players being off their game can affect outcomes. "We fight in every game, and I'm sure the momentum in the EuroLeague will change. You can't win every game at this level. You need to stay focused and understand this is a marathon, not a sprint." He highlighted the win against Hapoel Jerusalem as proof of the team's character, especially their comeback from a double-digit deficit.

Lundberg also revealed that his decision to extend his contract was largely influenced by coach Oded Kattash. "First and foremost, Oded Kattash is the reason I stayed," he explained. "He's an amazing coach, and I have a special personal connection with him. I've known him for many years, and he really wanted me to stay at Maccabi Tel Aviv, and I wanted to continue with him. I feel comfortable playing for him, I feel free and liberated in his system, and I love my role and my place on the team."