Hapoel Tel Aviv Vows to Learn from Crushing Cup Final Loss

Hapoel Tel Aviv players and staff expressed deep disappointment following their 86-75 loss to Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Winner Cup final, a game in which they squandered a 23-point lead. "We are losers, there is no other way to describe this loss. It was in our hands," admitted team members, lamenting a pattern of faltering in big games. Owner Ofir Yanai encouraged the team, stating, "If we learn from this game, we will win a title this year. We need to show character."

As coach Dimitris Itoudis approaches his two-year anniversary with the club, Hapoel Tel Aviv is conducting a mid-term review, seeking improvement in knockout games and crucial matchups. While acknowledging Itoudis's success in European competition, the club noted a perceived lack of readiness and occasional questionable substitutions in domestic games. They also pointed to difficulties in integrating foreign players, citing challenges with squad cohesion between European and league play.

The team is now focusing on their upcoming EuroLeague derby against Maccabi Tel Aviv in Limassol. Vasilije Micic, who missed the final, is expected to be fit and available, with the club noting his absence and leadership were keenly felt. Thomas Satoransky has also returned to practice and is expected to be available.

Nigel Hayes-Davis, a player for Panathinaikos, attended the game and spoke with Hapoel Tel Aviv's coach Itoudis and owner Yanai in the locker room afterward, complimenting the atmosphere. Hayes-Davis and Yanai have a good relationship; the player was previously in advanced negotiations with Hapoel Tel Aviv before signing with Panathinaikos. He was invited to the game by Hapoel players Antonio Blakeney and Dan O'Rourke.