Maccabi Haifa Considers New Role for Bruninho Ahead of Maccabi Tel Aviv Clash

Maccabi Haifa is preparing for their upcoming match against Maccabi Tel Aviv on Monday. Coach Barak Bachar gave the players a rest day on Thursday, following a double training session the previous day, with preparations set to resume on Friday. Bruninho, who scored the winning goal against Hapoel Ramat Gan, is expected to start but may be deployed in a new position as a left winger to strengthen the midfield against their rivals.

Meanwhile, midfielder Lior Kassa is nearing a return to the field after recovering from a cruciate ligament tear sustained in September 2025. The 20-year-old talent was acquired from Hapoel Jerusalem for 1.1 million euros and has experience playing in Italy's Serie A with Genoa, including eight senior appearances and nine in the Primavera league. Despite his potential, Haifa's midfield is currently crowded with players like Eitan Azoulay, Yarin Levi, Ali Mohamed, Navot Ratner, Cedric Don, Bruninho, and Amit Arzi competing for three spots.

Kassa was brought to Haifa by Masai Dego, and it is likely he will be loaned to Hapoel Ramat Gan or other Israeli Premier League clubs interested in his services. The club is managing a deep midfield roster while planning for the upcoming crucial fixtures.