Maccabi Haifa Coach Barak Bakhar May Be Fired After Poor Season Start

Maccabi Haifa coach Barak Bakhar could be immediately dismissed from his position after just two league matches, following a weak start to the season and a recent loss to Maccabi Tel Aviv. If Bakhar is let go, the club is reportedly considering a foreign coach with an Israeli assistant.

Maccabi Haifa has denied these reports. Despite an opening-week win against Hapoel Ramat Gan, the team understood that Tuesday's match at Bloomfield Stadium was crucial for club stability. The loss to Maccabi Tel Aviv intensified criticism of Bakhar, with fans reportedly losing patience.

Bakhar returned to Maccabi Haifa in October 2025, having been fired the previous season after a derby defeat. He replaced Diego Flores, who was dismissed after seven rounds. Bakhar was unable to inspire a turnaround, and the team finished fifth, far from the championship race.

Now, he faces potential dismissal again due to a sluggish start that included three losses in five Toto Cup matches against Hapoel Haifa, Ironi Kiryat Shmona, and Hapoel Jerusalem. In seven official games this season, the team has conceded 13 goals, and their offense has been unimpressive.

A club source criticized Bakhar after the recent loss, stating, "Barak makes unclear decisions that cost us dearly. He sometimes tries to be too clever, and it doesn't work."