Maccabi Tel Aviv Manager Defends Israel's Image to Italian Media
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Maccabi Tel Aviv's professional manager, Claudio Coldebella, told Italian media that Israel is a peace-loving country and that players enjoy living in Tel Aviv. He addressed the security situation and the team's disadvantage playing EuroLeague games in Belgrade instead of their home arena. Coldebella believes Maccabi could reach the Final Four if they were allowed to play in Tel Aviv again. He also praised the club's historical standing in European basketball.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Maccabi Tel Aviv's manager Claudio Coldebella stated Israel is a peace-loving nation.
- Coldebella believes players enjoy living in Tel Aviv and are attracted by good offers.
- The team is at a disadvantage playing EuroLeague games away from Tel Aviv.
- Coldebella expressed confidence Maccabi could reach the Final Four if they played at home.
- He considers Maccabi Tel Aviv one of Europe's four most historic basketball clubs.
Claudio Coldebella, Maccabi Tel Aviv's professional manager, has spoken to the Italian press, addressing the security situation in Israel and the team's place in the EuroLeague. Coldebella asserted that Israel is a peace-loving nation, stating that to understand the reality there, one must experience it firsthand. He dismissed the notion that Tel Aviv is under lockdown, describing it as a vibrant city akin to Miami or New York, and believes players enjoy coming there, citing good offers as sufficient to attract talent.
Coldebella highlighted that players renewing their contracts with Maccabi indicates their comfort level in Israel. He acknowledged the security challenges but framed them as part of the country's history. A significant portion of the interview focused on Maccabi's lack of home-court advantage in the EuroLeague, with games being played in Belgrade due to the security situation. Coldebella argued this puts the team at a disadvantage, contrasting it with opponents who can return home after playing Maccabi.
He emphasized the importance of playing in their home arena, Menora Mivtachim Hall, stating that the team would reach the EuroLeague Final Four if they could return to playing in Tel Aviv. Coldebella noted the strong fan support, citing a full house for a domestic league game, and likened playing at home to starting with a 100-point lead.
Looking ahead, Coldebella expressed optimism about Maccabi's EuroLeague prospects, naming Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, and Fenerbahce as likely Final Four contenders, with Maccabi potentially taking the fourth spot if they can play at home. He also addressed the geographical anomaly of an Israeli team competing in European tournaments, comparing it to other nations with similar situations.
Coldebella concluded by praising Maccabi Tel Aviv's historical significance in European basketball, considering it one of the top four clubs in Europe based on history and legacy.