Maccabi Tel Aviv is looking to put its disappointing derby performance behind it as the Yellow & Blue head to Serbia for a EuroLeague showdown against Partizan on Friday night (21:45) at the Belgrade Arena. Oded Katash’s squad will be looking to secure its third European victory of the season as it attempts to regain its footing following the heavy defeat to Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel League play.

The challenge will be a difficult one, particularly in front of Partizan’s passionate home crowd, but Katash knows his players must be prepared for the atmosphere and adversity that come with playing in Belgrade.

“There are no easy games, certainly not in Belgrade. We’ve experienced what it’s like playing in front of that crowd, so we need to be ready professionally, tactically and mentally. They’ll have their good stretches when the crowd gets behind them, and we need to make sure we don’t reach our breaking point. We have to trust each other, focus on what we can control, and bring the right effort, communication and body language. That’s what we need to get ourselves out of this difficult stretch,” Katash explained.

One of the biggest questions surrounding Maccabi continues to be its search for reinforcements following Iffe Lundberg’s injury. The Danish guard’s absence has placed additional pressure on an already stretched rotation, with Katash acknowledging that the club remains active in the market.

“We’ve discussed adding players several times recently. We’re in the market, looking for the right reinforcement. When there’s news, I’ll update you, but right now I don’t have anything new,” the coach said.

Managing the workload has also become a significant concern for Katash, who is trying to find the right balance while getting his team back on track, “It’s very difficult to find the right way to distribute the minutes, and it’s something that really concerns us. We’re looking for reinforcements not only for basketball reasons but also to help manage the workload. We also need to adjust our style and do things we’re not entirely accustomed to. Hopefully, our recent stretch of two or three consecutive days of practice has helped bring some order to the way we want to play.”

There could also be a boost in the frontcourt, as German big man Daniel Theis is expected to return to action after being left off the roster for the derby, “There’s a good chance you’ll see Theis on the court. I can’t say in advance how much he’ll play, but Daniel is important to us, just like the rest of the players. We need everyone in the right condition, and we’ll use him when necessary,” Katash noted.

Meanwhile, Oshae Brissett, who missed the derby due to injury, is hoping to help his teammates turn things around, “The best way to respond to a derby loss is to play better on both ends of the floor. We’ve had a few good days of practice, and I think a lot of the guys feel good heading into tomorrow. We just need to keep fighting, compete for the win and leave everything out on the court.”

The forward also expressed confidence in the team’s offensive options, particularly with the number of guards available to Katash, “Coach is doing a good job of getting everyone involved. We have a lot of players who can be trusted with the ball, make plays and help us get where we want to be offensively. It starts with the coach giving us that confidence, and we need to carry it into tomorrow and the games ahead.”

Asked whether anyone from management or the coaching staff had addressed the players following the heavy derby defeat, Brissett revealed that the team had handled things internally, “We talked among ourselves, without the coaches.”

Will Rayman echoed those sentiments, viewing Friday’s matchup as an important opportunity to get the season back on track, “It’s a huge opportunity for us to get back on track and pick up another EuroLeague win. Belgrade is a really fun place to play, and the atmosphere should bring plenty of energy. We’ve had a really good week of practice, and now we need to show it on the court,” Rayman said.

The forward also apologized to Maccabi’s supporters for the derby performance while making it clear that the team is eager to respond, “We apologize to the fans for that performance. It was a really tough loss, but the good thing about basketball is that there’s always another game. We have two more derbies this week, so there are opportunities to respond. Right now, we’re focused on Partizan, but the derby is certainly still on our minds. We’re looking for revenge, without a doubt.”

Beyond Friday’s matchup, Maccabi is also preparing for a change of scenery, with its EuroLeague home games set to move from Belgrade to Limassol. Katash welcomed the opportunity to have supporters back in the stands, even as he admitted that returning to Israel would have been his preference.

“We’re waiting for every opportunity to play in front of our fans, because we really need their energy. Cyprus brings us a little closer to home, although it’s unfortunate that the decision wasn’t to return to Israel. Belgrade has become our second home, and we truly appreciate the city, but if moving to Cyprus is what’s best for the club and means having our fans in the stands, we’ll embrace it.”

Rayman was also asked about the ownership situation surrounding the club and making an impact but he made it clear that his attention remains on basketball, “I haven’t felt the ownership situation. I have no idea what’s going on there. That’s above my pay grade.”

For Maccabi, Friday night represents more than just another EuroLeague game. Following the derby disappointment, the Yellow & Blue need to show a response, play with greater energy and defensive commitment and prove they can handle the pressure of one of Europe’s toughest road environments. With Partizan waiting in Belgrade, Katash and his players have an immediate opportunity to start turning things around.