Southampton's Daniel Peretz: Pride in Israel, FA Cup Ambition Against Arsenal
Daniel Peretz, the Southampton goalkeeper on loan from Bayern Munich, has become a pivotal figure in the club's impressive 14-game unbeaten run since joining in January. In an exclusive interview, the 25-year-old opens up about the profound pride he feels representing Israel during a period of intense geopolitical conflict, his admiration for mentor Manuel Neuer, and his determination to cause an FA Cup upset against Arsenal this weekend.
Representing Israel Amid Conflict
Returning from international duty, Peretz's thoughts immediately turn to his homeland. With most of his family residing in Tel Aviv, where air raid sirens have become a distressing routine, he acknowledges the emotional challenge of separation. "It's not always easy to do this separation in life and you are worried a lot about what's happening," Peretz admits. His family diligently follows safety protocols, heading to bunkers when alarms sound, while encouraging him to maintain focus on football.
Peretz views his role as a source of positivity for Israelis. "I know the best thing to do is just focus on doing my best – it will influence many more people than I think," he says. He expresses hope that Israel will soon host home matches again, having played in Hungary for the past three years due to security concerns. "It will feel more special when we will host at home," he adds, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to his national team.
FA Cup Quarter-Final: Facing Arsenal Without Fear
This Saturday, Peretz and Southampton face Arsenal at St Mary's Stadium in the FA Cup quarter-finals, with a coveted Wembley trip at stake. Despite Arsenal's formidable reputation, Peretz approaches the match with confidence. "We have a lot of respect, but we are not afraid," he declares. "If someone is not believing 100%, then he should not come to the game." This fearless attitude has been a hallmark of Southampton's recent form, with Peretz tasting defeat only once since his arrival.
The goalkeeper's loan deal includes a £7 million buy option, and he is open to extending his stay at Southampton, particularly if the club achieves promotion to the Premier League. "Let's finish the season in the best way and then we will be smarter to make decisions," he states pragmatically. His family watches every minute of Southampton's matches, providing unwavering support from afar.
Learning from Legends at Bayern Munich
Peretz's journey to Southampton includes a transformative stint at Bayern Munich, where he joined from Maccabi Tel Aviv almost three years ago. There, he had the extraordinary opportunity to learn from his childhood idol, Manuel Neuer. "I was sweating all over, so nervous that I could not speak. I had goosebumps, everything," Peretz recalls of their first meeting. Neuer, who recently turned 40, evolved from a hero into a mentor and friend, offering invaluable guidance.
Training alongside stars like Harry Kane also honed Peretz's skills. Facing Kane's penalties was both a challenge and a learning experience. "As a keeper, it was amazing to improve, to go with him because you need to do everything perfect to save the ball," he explains. With a grin, he notes his save ratio against Kane: "If you save one in 10, I think with him it's a good stat."
Peretz achieved a lifelong dream by making his Champions League debut for Bayern in a 5-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk. "From being a kid and watching these games and hearing the emotional anthem of the Champions League, to then suddenly be in this line with the referees... a huge moment," he reflects. This experience only fueled his ambition for more appearances at the highest level.
Personal Life and Public Profile
Off the pitch, Peretz is married to singer-songwriter Noa Kirel, who represented Israel at Eurovision 2023, finishing third. Their relationship blossomed shortly after the contest, with Peretz humorously recalling, "When I watched Eurovision, I said: 'Wow, I want her to be my wife. She's the most beautiful woman in the world.'" The couple has been dubbed Israel's version of "Posh and Becks," though Peretz quickly defers to his wife's fame, noting her 1.8 million Instagram followers surpass Southampton's following.
Therapeutic Power of Football
In times of turmoil, Peretz finds solace in football. Echoing sentiments from former Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel, who highlighted the healing environment of a dressing room, Peretz says, "Football for me is a really good therapy. It's where my mind can focus." He remains driven by the knowledge that his performances bring joy to people in Israel, making them smile and feel proud during difficult times.
As Southampton enters what Peretz calls "the money time" of the season, with promotion hopes and FA Cup glory on the line, his blend of personal resilience, professional dedication, and unwavering optimism positions him as a key figure in the club's pursuit of success. His story transcends sport, embodying the power of athletic endeavor to inspire and unite amidst adversity.
