Hapoel Tel Aviv Coach Itoudis Criticizes Team's Effort Despite Victory
Translated & summarized from 0404 by baba
Hapoel Tel Aviv defeated Maccabi Ashdod 81-67 for their second league win, but coach Dimitris Itoudis criticized the team's first-half effort. Captain Tomer Ginat returned after a four-month absence and impressed the coach. Itoudis stressed that the team's commitment must improve to become a consistent standard.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hapoel Tel Aviv beat Maccabi Ashdod 81-67 for their second league win.
- Coach Dimitris Itoudis criticized his team's lack of intensity in the first half.
- Captain Tomer Ginat returned after a four-month injury layoff and impressed.
- Itoudis stated that wearing the Hapoel Tel Aviv jersey requires unwavering effort.
- The coach emphasized that improved play must become the team's consistent standard.
Hapoel Tel Aviv secured their second win in the Israeli Basketball Premier League, defeating Maccabi Ashdod 81-67. The victory followed a perfect week in the EuroLeague and marked an emotional return to the Shlomo Group Arena after two years. Despite the positive result, coach Dimitris Itoudis expressed significant disappointment with his team's performance in the first half.
Itoudis stated that the players lacked the necessary intensity and commitment at the start of the game, only showing a substantial change in attitude after halftime. He emphasized that wearing the Hapoel Tel Aviv jersey requires unwavering effort in every match, regardless of the opponent.
A bright spot for the team was the return of captain Tomer Ginat, who played his first game in four months. Itoudis praised Ginat's commitment and performance, noting his confidence and sharpness reminded him of a player in full game shape. The coach admitted to giving Ginat more playing time than initially planned.
While Itoudis also commended the contributions of players like Platinum and Jermann for their aggression and energy, he stressed that the team's success cannot rely on individuals. He made it clear that the improved play seen in the third quarter must become the team's consistent standard.
Itoudis acknowledged that Hapoel Tel Aviv is still in a building phase for the season but insisted this does not excuse a lack of commitment. He deemed the win important but highlighted the need for significant improvement in how it was achieved.
