Former Maccabi Tel Aviv Defender Filipenko Reflects on Israeli League Experience

About a month after announcing his retirement from professional football, Belarusian defender Yegor Filipenko spoke in a new interview about his time playing in Israel. Filipenko, who played for Maccabi Tel Aviv and M.S. Ashdod, shared the challenges he faced during his stint with Maccabi Tel Aviv, including not being a regular starter and considering leaving the club due to limited playing time. He recalled a moment after a 3-0 win where despite a strong performance, he was excluded from the next match squad, which led him to contemplate departure and contact his agent.

Filipenko also discussed his interactions with then-coach Shota Arveladze, who did not provide clear explanations for his decisions. He acknowledged competing for his position with players like Tal Ben Haim and Eitan Tibi, suggesting the coach may have preferred them. Despite these difficulties, Filipenko praised the Israeli Premier League, admitting he had expected a lower level of play but was surprised by the league's quality and technical standard, especially noting Maccabi Tel Aviv's strong squad.

Beyond football, Filipenko commented on the high cost of living in Israel, noting it was particularly expensive in cities like Haifa compared to Tel Aviv, depending on lifestyle and location. He said he adapted to life in Israel despite these economic challenges. Regarding his transfer from Maccabi Tel Aviv to Ashdod, Filipenko explained that he insisted on maintaining his salary, and the clubs arranged a deal without issues, with Jordi Cruyff facilitating the process.

Filipenko concluded by highlighting the peak of his career: qualifying for the UEFA Champions League with BATE Borisov and playing a full match in their notable 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich, where he was among the best players on the field.