Katas: “Happy to return to Israel – What we spent 2 years was a social experiment”

Overjoyed for her return of Maccabi at its physical headquarters for the Euroleagueafter two years of “hospitality” in Belgrade, said Odent Katas.

“I am very happy. After two years, it’s really exciting. I’m mostly excited for our fans. Of course we miss them, but at least for them this experience will be here again. I think it’s a joy for Israeli basketball in general. What we’ve been through the last two years is like a social experiment. I don’t think any sports team has gone through anything like it. There’s still a month left, until then we have to focus on basketball and winning. I think the new players were very happy and especially the ones who had been through the two years couldn’t believe it. I asked four times if it was final to believe it. I think our audience and the Thursdays at ‘Yad Eliyau’ are the best way to bring players to Israel and convince them to come and play for Maccabi. It’s something they miss a lot and I have no doubt that anyone who hasn’t experienced it will get excited very quickly.”emphasized the Israeli coach.

As for tomorrow’s match against Real, he said: “The last defeat against Olympiakos, as it came, was really very painful, but it is our job and we have to continue. It will not be easy against Real, we are not favourites, but of course we really want to win. I think it is still too early to say that we are staying away from our target, but we do not want to lose at all».