Maccabi Tel Aviv Faces Uncertainty Ahead of Crucial Conference League Match

Maccabi Tel Aviv is preparing for a decisive Conference League match against FC Lugano on Thursday at 19:00, with goalkeeper Opak Malika likely to start despite recent doubts about his form. Coach Kenny Miller considered starting veteran goalkeeper Roy Meshpati to prepare for the upcoming domestic match against Maccabi Haifa on Monday, especially after Malika’s red card against Hapoel Jerusalem. However, Malika is expected to play, despite conceding a goal in Switzerland that still weighs on him mentally.

The team aims to control possession and dictate the pace against Lugano, who will rely on counterattacks, making it a challenging game for the goalkeeper. Malika, alongside teammate Said Abu Farhi who is leaving the club, represents the young talent Maccabi Tel Aviv is building around. Despite a turbulent previous season that ended with a cup victory, the club faces a complex summer with limited squad improvements.

Steven Vanharan, the new sporting director brought in to rebuild the team, has overseen a quiet transfer window so far, with only two new signings: striker Astr Sukler and Dan Glazer, who has had limited impact. Vanharan’s role includes releasing surplus players such as Ion Nicolescu and Crvin Andrade to make room for new foreign signings, but no progress has been made yet.

With the Israeli transfer window open until September 16 and European competition imminent, Maccabi Tel Aviv urgently needs to strengthen its squad, particularly with the departure of Abu Farhi and the need for another striker. The current roster lacks depth, and the club risks struggling this season if reinforcements are not secured soon.