Hapoel Tel Aviv Coach Itoudis Slams Team's Effort in Victory
Translated & summarized from Sport5 by baba
Hapoel Tel Aviv defeated Maccabi Ashdod 81-67, but coach Dimitris Itoudis criticized his team's initial lack of effort. Itoudis stressed the need for a consistent mindset and praised player Tomer Ginat's return after injury. Player Tomer Ginat dedicated the victory to a recently deceased childhood friend. Ashdod's coach Dan Katzir cited a second-half lapse in concentration and aggression for the loss.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hapoel Tel Aviv beat Maccabi Ashdod 81-67, but coach Dimitris Itoudis was unhappy with the team's initial effort.
- Coach Itoudis demanded a mindset change, stating "It's unacceptable to play without effort" for Hapoel Tel Aviv.
- Player Tomer Ginat returned strongly after a three-month absence and dedicated the win to a late friend.
- Eugene German received a standing ovation for his performance in the game.
- Ashdod coach Dan Katzir cited a second-half lapse in concentration and aggression for the loss.
Hapoel Tel Aviv secured a decisive 81-67 victory over newcomers Maccabi Ashdod in their return to Yad Eliyahu Arena. Coach Dimitris Itoudis expressed satisfaction with the win but strongly criticized his team's initial lack of effort and disorganized play, stating, "It's unacceptable to come here, wear the Hapoel jersey, and play without effort."
Itoudis emphasized the need for a mindset shift, particularly after a disorganized first half. He highlighted the team's improved aggression and focus in the second half, which he credited for turning the game around. "We needed to change the mindset, because we came in very disorganized and we cannot accept that," he stated. He praised player Tomer Ginat's strong return after a three-month absence, noting his professionalism and dedication.
Despite the win, Itoudis reiterated his frustration with inconsistent effort, stating, "I hate it when the attitude is wrong. We have no right to have the wrong attitude to the game." He acknowledged the crowd's support and the standout performances of players like Eugene German, who received a standing ovation, and the player, but stressed that team effort is paramount.
On a personal note, Tomer Ginat revealed that the game was dedicated to a close childhood friend who recently passed away after a battle with cancer. He described the loss as devastating and a significant personal blow. "This game is mainly for her. She will always be in my heart," Ginat shared, visibly emotional.
Ashdod coach Dan Katzir attributed the loss to a lack of concentration and aggression in the second half, dismissing fatigue as an excuse. He noted that the player's entry into the game shifted the momentum, but his team failed to respond effectively. Katzir acknowledged the team's offensive struggles in the second half compared to a strong first half, and the impact of Hapoel's increased physicality.
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