Miguel Vitor Reflects on His Legacy and Champions League Ambitions with Hapoel Be'er Sheva

Miguel Vitor, captain of Hapoel Be'er Sheva since 2016, spoke extensively about his career, the team's unique spirit, and their upcoming Champions League playoff match. Having won three league titles with the club and played in the Champions League playoffs before, Vitor emphasized the collective character of the current squad, noting that unlike previous teams with standout stars, this group is defined by every player giving their all on the pitch. He expressed confidence in their chances to advance, calling the upcoming match one of the most important in the club's history.

Reflecting on last season, when he had fewer playing minutes, Vitor said he remained focused and prepared to contribute fully this year, earning the trust of coach Ran Kozuch. He also described his role as a leader on the field, sometimes acting as an assistant coach during matches. At 37, Vitor is uncertain if this will be his final season but remains open to continuing if he feels capable. He mentioned the possibility of coaching in the future but has not made concrete plans.

Vitor shared his deep connection to Israel, calling it home for him and his family, and contrasted it with Portugal, which now feels more like a vacation spot. He hopes to lead Be'er Sheva to the Champions League group stage for the first time in his career, a goal he has long pursued since his early days playing for Benfica Lisbon. Despite his achievements, he still feels the excitement and nerves before big games, underscoring his passion for football.

He also addressed his competitive nature on the field, joking about past on-pitch disputes with teammate Itay Shechter, emphasizing his relentless desire to win. Looking ahead to the Champions League playoff, Vitor is motivated and eager to perform, viewing the match as a defining moment for both himself and the club.