Maccabi Tel Aviv Coach Issues Stark warning: Team Issues Remain Unaddressed Ahead of Žalgiris Clash
TEL AVIV,ISRAEL – December 7,2023 – Maccabi Tel Aviv head coach Oded Katash delivered a blunt assessment to club management,stating the team’s basic problems persist despite recent public discourse,just days before their EuroLeague matchup against Kaunas Žalgiris. Katash’s comments underscore a growing disconnect between external perceptions and the internal reality within the struggling Israeli club.
Currently holding a 3-10 record through 13 EuroLeague rounds – second to last in the standings ahead of only Vilerbano ASVEL – Maccabi faces mounting pressure to turn their season around.The coach’s message, revealed amidst criticism regarding a perceived lack of team strengthening, signals a critical juncture for the institution. Katash emphasized that the team has not overcome a crisis, and improvements require decisive action, not simply a change in narrative.
“About myself, I didn’t learn anything I didn’t already know,” Katash stated when questioned about lessons learned from the recent turbulence. He further explained that the “noise” surrounding the team created difficult situations, many beyond his control, but crucially, the underlying issues remain unresolved.
Katash was explicit in dismissing any notion of a fresh start. “It’s not that we’ve overcome a crisis and are now starting a new path. The problems are not solved, the shortcomings we had are clear, the things we need to fix and change to be better are evident. The key is that no one should think this event is over and now we will crush everyone. No.We have the same problems and the same difficulties, and until we take obligation and make one or two moves to strengthen the team, things will not improve.”
The upcoming game on December 9th holds added significance as it marks the first return to Lithuania for Lonnie Walker, who played for Žalgiris Kaunas last season.Following this, Maccabi will host ASVEL on December 11th, marking the return of EuroLeague games to Israel after a hiatus of over two years.
