Eran Zahavi Criticizes Former Maccabi Tel Aviv Coach Lazetic, Reveals Frustrations

Eran Zahavi, one of Israeli football's greatest players, openly criticized his former Maccabi Tel Aviv coach, Žarko Lazetić, in a recent interview on Channel 13. Zahavi described Lazetić as the weakest coach he had ever played under, recounting a confrontation where he accused Lazetić of dishonesty regarding his decision to prioritize another striker, Dor, over him. Zahavi claimed Lazetić falsely stated he had watched all the previous season's games to make that choice.

The striker also expressed his frustration about being benched and Lazetić's request for him to take a penalty kick while on the bench during a match against Kiryat Shmona. Zahavi said he wanted to punch the coach, accusing him of being disconnected from reality. Despite this, Zahavi emphasized his contributions to the team, including scoring 40 goals and winning titles, lamenting how quickly fans forget his efforts.

Reflecting on his career's end, Zahavi admitted he would have continued playing if not for the humiliation of sitting on the bench, explaining that his internal passion had faded. His candid remarks shed light on the tensions within Maccabi Tel Aviv during Lazetić's tenure and Zahavi's personal struggles with the coaching decisions that affected his playing time.