Eran Zahavi Criticizes Former Maccabi Tel Aviv Coach Lazetic as Weak and Dishonest

Eran Zahavi, one of Israeli football's greatest players, opened up about his difficult relationship with former Maccabi Tel Aviv coach Žarko Lazetić in an interview with Omri Asenheim on Channel 13. Zahavi revealed he told Lazetić that he was the weakest coach he had ever played under. He accused Lazetić of dishonesty, saying the coach claimed to have watched all games the previous season and decided to start Dor Peretz as striker instead of him, which Zahavi disputed.

Zahavi also expressed frustration about being asked to take a penalty kick while sitting on the bench during a match against Kiryat Shmona, saying he wanted to punch Lazetić in the face and that the coach was out of touch with reality. Despite this, Zahavi emphasized his contributions to the team, noting he scored 40 goals and helped win titles, but felt forgotten quickly.

Reflecting on his career, Zahavi said he would have continued playing if not for the humiliation of sitting on the bench, explaining that his internal passion had faded. The interview sheds light on the tensions behind the scenes during Zahavi's final years at Maccabi Tel Aviv under Lazetić's management.