Maccabi Tel Aviv Opts Against Postponing Opening Premier League Match Despite European Playoff

Maccabi Tel Aviv is currently in Switzerland preparing for their Conference League playoff match against FC Lugano on Thursday at 21:30. Following the game, the team will fly overnight from Milan back to Israel, a routine the players are accustomed to. Typically, Maccabi Tel Aviv returns the night after European matches and uses Friday to rest. This time, their final training before facing Hapoel Jerusalem on Sunday will be held Saturday evening, providing nearly two full days of rest.

Despite having the option to postpone their opening Premier League match against Hapoel Jerusalem, Maccabi Tel Aviv chose to proceed as scheduled. The league management has long allowed teams involved in European playoffs to delay their first league game to allow recovery between critical matches. Other teams like Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Beitar Jerusalem, and Hapoel Tel Aviv have utilized this option. While Beitar Jerusalem has already been eliminated from Europe, Hapoel Tel Aviv, which faces Atalanta tonight and next week, will not have to play midweek in the first round.

Sources within Maccabi Tel Aviv explain that the club prefers maintaining a consistent playing rhythm rather than creating long breaks between matches. Despite the challenges of international travel, the team believes staying active and playing every three to four days is better for performance and injury prevention. This approach was evident in their Toto Cup victory over Maccabi Netanya, even after a minor injury to Isof Sisoko. The club views adherence to the schedule as a positive challenge and believes excessive rest does not necessarily reduce injury risk or improve player condition.