Southampton's Daniel Peretz: Pride, Pressure, and Premier League Ambitions
Daniel Peretz, the Southampton goalkeeper on loan from Bayern Munich, has become a cornerstone of the club's impressive 14-game unbeaten streak since his arrival in January. In a candid interview, he opens up about the dual challenges of representing Israel during a period of geopolitical turmoil and preparing for a high-stakes FA Cup quarter-final clash against Arsenal.
Balancing Football and Family Amidst Conflict
Returning from international duty, Peretz's thoughts immediately turn to his family in Tel Aviv, where air raid sirens have become a distressing routine. "Unfortunately, it has become a bit of a routine," he admits, describing how his loved ones seek shelter in bunkers and safe rooms. Despite the constant worry, he emphasizes their support in keeping him focused on football. "They help me a lot; they try to keep me focused 100% on football. I know the best thing to do is just focus on doing my best – it will influence many more people than I think."
Playing for Israel away from home due to security concerns adds a layer of complexity. Peretz has not played in his homeland since his debut in November 2022, with matches relocated to Hungary. He remains optimistic, stating, "It will feel [even] more special when we will host at home." His pride in representing his country is unwavering, though he notes the bitterness of missing out on World Cup qualification.
FA Cup Showdown and Promotion Push
Southampton faces Arsenal at St Mary's this weekend, with a Wembley semi-final spot on the line. Peretz approaches the match with respect but no fear. "We have a lot of respect, but we are not afraid. If someone is not believing 100%, then he should not come to the game." His debut for Southampton came in the FA Cup third round against Doncaster, and he has been instrumental in their unbeaten run, which includes only one defeat since his loan move, which features a £7 million buy option.
Beyond the cup, Southampton's promotion push to the Premier League looms large. Peretz is open to staying at the club, acknowledging that promotion could influence his future. "Let's finish the season in the best way and then we will be smarter to make decisions." His family tunes in to every minute of Southampton's games, underscoring their unwavering support.
Learning from Legends at Bayern Munich
Peretz's journey from Maccabi Tel Aviv to Bayern Munich has been shaped by mentorship from goalkeeping icon Manuel Neuer. He recalls their first meeting with vivid emotion: "I was sweating all over, so nervous that I could not speak. I had goosebumps, everything." Neuer, whom he idolized as a child with a giant photo on his bedroom wall, became a friend and guide. "I watched every single save [Neuer] made and then he was with me day by day and he became a friend."
Training with Harry Kane provided another learning curve. Peretz jokes about Kane's penalty prowess: "If you save one in 10, I think with him it's a good stat." He highlights the technical challenge of facing such a skilled striker, noting that perfection in positioning and timing is often still insufficient.
Personal Life and Public Profile
Off the pitch, Peretz and his wife, singer-songwriter Noa Kirel, are often compared to Israel's version of Posh and Becks. He laughs at the notion, crediting Kirel's fame from Eurovision 2023, where she finished third. "She's the most famous person in Israel," he says, noting her 1.8 million Instagram followers surpass Southampton's following. Their relationship blossomed after the contest, with Peretz admitting, "When I watched Eurovision, I said: 'Wow, I want her to be my wife. She's the most beautiful woman in the world.'"
Champions League Dreams and Future Aspirations
Peretz achieved a childhood dream by making his Champions League debut for Bayern in a 5-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk, played at Schalke due to the war in Ukraine. "From being a kid and watching these games and hearing the emotional anthem of the Champions League," he reflects, "to then suddenly be in this line with the referees, this anthem in the background and you're wearing the Bayern Munich shirt … a huge moment. But it just made me hungry for more appearances."
He views football as therapeutic, especially during turbulent times. "Football for me is a really good therapy," he says. "It's where my mind can focus. I'm really happy that I can make the people in Israel smile and make them proud." As the season reaches its climax, Peretz sums it up: "Now it's the money time."
