Hapoel Tel Aviv Player German Confident in Leadership Ability

Hapoel Tel Aviv secured their first local league win of the season against Hapoel Beer Sheva/Dimona on Sunday evening. Player Eugene German, who led the team with 20 points, expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, stating, "We came and played hard as a team, we were very physical. We executed on both ends, I feel good and that I am in a good place. I work hard, so I am comfortable." When asked if he felt capable of leading Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Israeli league, German responded, "I feel that I can lead the team anywhere as long as they believe in me, my confidence is high, and we will continue to push forward." He also mentioned his readiness for EuroLeague play, stating he remains prepared whenever the coach calls upon him.

Coach Itoudis acknowledged the team's strong start and aggressive play but expressed dissatisfaction with a significant lead that diminished in the third quarter. "We had a 14-point lead in the third quarter, I made substitutions and it dropped to 2 at the end of the quarter. This run? It is unacceptable, we need to work on it," he stated. Itoudis praised German's performance, noting his ability to score and facilitate for teammates. He also reflected on the team's EuroLeague participation, achieved through past playoff success, and expressed hope for the return of EuroLeague games to Israel, emphasizing the club's efforts to host matches in Tel Aviv.

Itoudis concluded by expressing his satisfaction with the efforts and meetings regarding the return of EuroLeague games to Israel, praying for continued peace and the earliest possible return of matches. He stressed the need for joint efforts to host games in Tel Aviv, highlighting that the club demonstrates it is safe to play there.