Ex-Maccabi Haifa Striker Details Coach's Promise and War Evacuation

Gyorche Jovanovic, a former Maccabi Haifa striker, has revealed details about his time with the Israeli club, including a surprising conversation with coach Barak Bachar and his experience during the recent conflict with Iran. Jovanovic, who recently returned to his former club Cukaricki, told Novosti that Bachar had told him he was the best striker in the league. However, Jovanovic stated that despite this assurance, he barely played, questioning Bachar about it. The coach reportedly explained that the club had already invested in other forwards but promised Jovanovic he would play.

Jovanovic claims he did not play a single minute after that conversation and never received a further explanation. He speculated that his loan status might have been a factor, as the club had forwards under contract. Jovanovic had initially pushed for a permanent transfer, but a deal between Basel and Maccabi Haifa failed to materialize.

He also recounted the dramatic events during the recent escalation with Iran. Jovanovic described feeling the tension build for weeks before receiving a club notification that training was canceled due to an Israeli strike in Iran and expected retaliation. He and his family sheltered in their safe room as air raid sirens sounded frequently.

After four or five days, the Serbian embassy arranged for his family's evacuation. Unable to fly, they traveled by bus through Israel to Sharm El Sheikh before flying to Serbia. Jovanovic remained there for about a month, returning to Israel alone when the league was set to resume, to avoid further stress for his family during the final 40 days of the season. He felt he was already 'erased' from the team's plans upon his return.

Reflecting on his career choices, Jovanovic called his move from Maccabi Tel Aviv to Basel his biggest mistake, having expected Basel to dominate the league as Maccabi Tel Aviv had, only to find a club undergoing significant changes and struggling at the bottom.