Maccabi Tel Aviv Aims for European Success in Conference League Playoff Against Lugano

Following their elimination by CSKA Sofia in the Europa League playoffs, Maccabi Tel Aviv is set to pursue a European winter by facing Swiss Super League leaders Lugano tonight at 21:30 in the first leg of the Conference League playoffs at the AIL Arena. Lugano arrives in excellent form, being the only team in the Swiss league with a perfect record after three games and a goal difference of 11-2, excluding a ten-goal haul in the Swiss Cup.

Maccabi Tel Aviv, with two consecutive years of Europa League experience and key players Roy Revivo and Tyrese Asante, is yet to strengthen its squad for the new season but aims to take the first step toward group stage qualification. Coach Kenny Miller noted the team’s adaptation to unfamiliar conditions, including rain, and emphasized confidence despite the recent Europa League exit. He highlighted the team’s strong start to the season with five wins in six matches and a demanding schedule ahead, stressing the importance of squad rotation amid injuries and suspensions.

Regarding transfer rumors, agent Idan Ben Abu clarified there are no negotiations between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Gabi Kanikovski or his current club Ferencváros. Kanikovski is expected to play tonight in the Europa League playoff against Trabzonspor and holds a two-year contract in Hungary with a salary of 600,000 euros per season. Ferencváros also denied receiving any inquiries from Maccabi or the player’s representatives. Kanikovski’s market value is around four million euros, and any potential move would require a significantly higher salary, estimated at five million euros or more.

Additionally, Maccabi Tel Aviv dismissed reports of talks regarding Ori Azou’s possible transfer to Beitar Jerusalem, confirming no current negotiations and that such a move is unlikely to materialize.