Miguel Vitor Reflects on His Legacy and Champions League Dream 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 and competed 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 everyone giving their all on the pitch. He expressed confidence in their chances to win the crucial upcoming game, calling it one of the most important in the club's history.

Reflecting on the team's journey, Vitor acknowledged the pressure after their initial loss to Vikingur but highlighted how a subsequent victory eased that tension and improved their performance against Red Star Belgrade. He credited coach Ran Kozuch for trusting his leadership and experience this season, contrasting it with last year when he had fewer minutes on the field. Vitor also described his role as a quasi-assistant on the pitch, helping guide the team during noisy matches.

At 37, Vitor is uncertain if this will be his final season but remains open to continuing if he feels capable. He shared his ambition to finally reach the Champions League group stage, a milestone he missed during his early career with Benfica Lisbon. Vitor expressed deep affection for Israel, calling it home for him and his family, and revealed that despite occasional nostalgia for Portugal, Israel is where he feels most settled.

Asked about his competitive nature, Vitor laughed off comments from teammate Itay Shechter calling him "mean on the field," explaining it stems from his strong desire to win. Looking ahead to the Champions League match, he admitted to feeling nervous excitement, which fuels his motivation to keep playing. Vitor concluded by emphasizing the importance of enjoying the moment despite the pressure, underscoring his passion for football even after many years at the top level.