Levy: “It was disappointing to lose to Tel Aviv, but that happens in soccer and we need to move on.”
By ALLON SINAIMaccabi Haifa 311(photo credit: Maccabi Haifa website)
After suffering its first Premier League defeat of the season on Monday, Maccabi Haifa will have an ideal opportunity to return to winning ways when it visits Hapoel Ramat Gan on Saturday night.Haifa played perhaps its best match of the season against Hapoel Tel Aviv at Kiryat Eliezer Stadium, but despite playing against 10 men from the 26th minute, the Greens failed to break down the reigning champion’s defense, losing 2-0.RELATED:Hapoel gets back to .500 by rolling Gilboa“I was pleased with the way we played against Hapoel, but unfortunately the result was not what we would have liked it to be,” said Haifa coach Elisha Levy after seeing his team advance to the quarterfinals of the Toto Cup with a 1-0 victory over Hapoel Haifa on Wednesday.“It was disappointing to lose to Tel Aviv, but that happens in soccer and we need to move on.”Haifa has struggled with its form so far this season, but will still be a massive favorite against rock-bottom Ramat Gan.Shlomi Dora’s men have lost five consecutive matches by a combined goal-difference of 0- 8, last scoring a league goal way back in September.Haifa’s loss on Monday meant Maccabi Tel Aviv maintained its place at the top of the standings, with the yellow-and-blue hoping to make its stay in first position a long one, starting with a victory at Hapoel Acre on Saturday.However, Acre will be far from a pushover having won three straight matches and going unbeaten in its last five.Also Saturday, Ironi Kiryat Shmona will aim to claim its first win in four matches when it hosts Maccabi Netanya, Hapoel Beersheba visits Hapoel Haifa, Hapoel Ashkelon welcomes Maccabi Petah Tikva and Ashdod SC travels to Bnei Yehuda.Hapoel TA hosts Betar Jerusalem Sunday, while Bnei Sakhnin visits Hapoel Petah Tikva on Monday.
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