This afternoon (Monday) in the offices of Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv’s chairman attorney Shimon Mizrahi, head coach David Blatt signed a new contract with the team, for two years (2012 – 2013 and 2013 – 2014), with an option for a third year (2014 – 2015).
This week Blatt will wrap up his fourth year as the team’s head coach (in two separate terms) as he tries for a perfect record in Israeli title competitions, with the Israeli Lotto League Final Four. As head coach of Maccabi Blatt has led the team to three championships and four Israeli Cups so far, as well as to participation in two Euroleague Final Four competitions and one Adriatic League championship.
Chairman Shimon Mizrahi: “Today we’ve taken a very important step that shows that the club’s management doesn’t simply look at the short term. That is why we’ve signed a multi-year deal with David Blatt, who has done a fantastic job so far. The essence and the term of the contract give David the peace of mind to work and lead the team as he sees fit, and to integrate players from youth teams over the next few years. David has led us to many great achievements and reached the heights, and I believe he will continue to do so. I wish him the best of luck.”
Udi Recanati, one of the team’s owners: “David Blatt is a true man of Maccabi, and has brought to the team a real Maccabi spirit. He brings the club a great deal of honor; he’s a role model for youth, players and coaches, and I am sure he will continue to be one in the years to come. We’re happy and proud of that. I never doubted that Blatt would stay with us, and we see him as a long-term coach. I’m delighted that Blatt is staying in our house – Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv.”
David Blatt: “No one is happier than I am that I will continue to work in partnership with Maccabi’s management and the team. It’s the place I wanted to be and dreamed of being, and I’m twice as happy as I was the first time I signed with Maccabi, here in this same office of Shimon’s, many years ago. I had a wonderful time in my first term with the team, then I went on to work abroad for a number of years. With the incredible knowledge I gained and the marvelous experiences I had, I returned as a better coach and person, better prepared for the amazing challenges that Maccabi provides and for the expectations of the system. The last two years have been wonderful, and now there’s continuity, which is one of the most important parameters for success. I’m ready for the battle, and I’ll do everything I can to help the system and to overcome all obstacles in order to go on and be successful.”
