The 52-year-old Greek coach spoke in the festive press conference regarding the contract extension. Mizrahi: “In all my years in the organization, I’ve never seen a person acclimatize in such a fast and positive way”
“Three weeks ago, the ownership decided to reach out to the coach and offer him a two-year extension with a club option. In a very short negotiation, decisive and positive, we agreed to terms, and we are happy today to announce the extension”, said Maccabi’s chairman Shimon Mizrahi in his opening statement at the festive press conference on Sunday evening. “I must say, in all my years in the organization, I’ve never seen a person acclimatize in such a fast and positive way. Not only he accepted Maccabi’s DNA, but he also knew how to pass it on to his players, and its seen in the team’s results”.
“The coach also brought his family to Israel, both of his children study here, and one of them plays in our youth academy. His integration was quick”, mentioned the chairman, who spoke to the coach: “I want to congratulate you, you learn Hebrew with a private instructor, so I want to wish you Hazlacha Raba (Great Success)”.
“We decided to continue with Giannis, we have a great experience with him in the past year, and we’ve seen him as somebody that can fulfill and maintain the vision of Maccabi”, Explained the sports director Nicola Vujcic. “The fans like him very much, and I think they are pleased with this signing. Giannis shares Maccabi’s DNA basketball – trying to win every game and make our fans happy. It’s a pleasure to work with him, and all my staff will be him to support and help to achieve Maccabi’s goals”.
“I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart the owners for giving me this chance to continue to coach Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv”, Opened Giannis Sfairopoulos. “Maccabi is a historical club in Europe, and for me, it’s a big honor to earn a new contract to stay here for three more seasons as part of the Maccabi family.”
“I want to thank all the owners, management, Nicola, Ami, and everybody in the offices that work really hard behind the scenes for the best of the club. I want to thank the players that they were devoted since the day I got to this club, as they try to give their best every time on the court for Maccabi. I want to thank all the staff, the coaches, doctors, physios for the work they are doing every single day”.
“This is one of the best moments in my career. I’m very touched from this moment”, Added the emotional Sfairopoulos. “I’m very happy that I’m here, and I want to tell our fans that we will do our best for the good of Maccabi. We will give everything we have on the court to win games and titles”.
“First of all, congratulations. I think it’s great news for the players and the club”, Told the captain John DiBartolomeo. He has been an extraordinary leader since the day he got here and took us out of a tough spot. Since taking the job, he has coached in positivity, and above all, he is a kind person and a hard worker. Best of luck now and in the future”.
