Dolev Haziza Recounts Humiliation and Betrayal at Maccabi Haifa

Israeli footballer Dolev Haziza has spoken out about his painful departure from Maccabi Haifa, detailing feelings of humiliation and personal betrayal by former coach Barak Bakhar and professional director Lior Raphaëlov.

Haziza, who was part of the team during a successful period including three consecutive championships, a Champions League qualification, and a win against Juventus, found himself on the outside after a disappointing season. Professional director Lior Raphaëlov and coach Barak Bakhar decided Haziza's time at the club was over.

In an interview with "One on One with Dani Inbar," Haziza described how he was initially told he would train with the senior squad until he found a new team, a situation he felt was presented disrespectfully in the media. He recounted arriving at training to find Bakhar completely ignoring him, not even offering a greeting. The lowest point came when an assistant coach instructed him to leave the main training session and work separately with a fitness coach, while youth players were being integrated into the senior team's practice. Haziza described this as a moment of deep humiliation.

He expressed profound personal hurt, particularly towards Bakhar, whom he had considered a father figure. Haziza stated he felt let down by Bakhar's personal treatment, especially after he had publicly defended the coach when Bakhar was previously fired. "I don't want these people around me anymore," Haziza declared, stating he has "deleted" both Raphaëlov and Bakhar from his life and will not speak to them again.

Haziza also shared the emotional toll the situation took on his wife, who was devastated and cried upon hearing the news before he could even speak to her. He recounted telling her, "There is no more Barak," signifying the end of his personal connection to the coach.