Mitch Goldhar’s Commitment to Maccabi Tel Aviv Defended Amid Investment Doubts

Ahead of the new season, Maccabi Tel Aviv held its traditional press conference featuring owner representative Jack Englidis and sporting director Steven Vanharan. Englidis addressed doubts about owner Mitch Goldhar’s involvement, calling claims that Goldhar is not investing "offensive." He emphasized Goldhar’s commitment to making Maccabi the top club in Israel and competitive in Europe, despite recent disappointments such as the European league elimination.

Englidis detailed ongoing behind-the-scenes efforts to improve the team, including player acquisitions like Astr Sukler and negotiations for loans and transfers. He highlighted the challenges of frequent changes in Israeli football and the need for squad stability to maintain sustainability, dismissing rumors of a fire sale. Englidis explained that Goldhar’s business commitments in Canada limit his physical presence in Israel but affirmed his active involvement in club decisions.

Vanharan echoed the focus on gradual progress and high-performance mindset within the club. He acknowledged the team’s mixed results so far but praised the players’ quality and intensity. Vanharan also commented on transfer market difficulties due to external factors like the World Cup and injuries, noting limited movement but expecting more activity before the window closes. He confirmed attempts to sign players such as Dean David and Gabi Kanikovsky and defended the choice of coach Kenny Miller, emphasizing his fit with the club’s philosophy and the risks of changing coaches mid-season.

Both officials stressed that Maccabi is investing significantly this summer and is committed to building a sustainable, winning culture under Goldhar’s ownership, countering media narratives suggesting otherwise.