Hapoel Be'er Sheva Coach Raanan Kuzoach Explodes at Players After Late Draw

Following a dramatic opening match win, Hapoel Be'er Sheva found themselves on the wrong end of a late equalizer on Wednesday, conceding a penalty in the 95th minute to draw 2-2. After the match, head coach Raanan Kuzoach reportedly "exploded" at his players in the locker room, demanding to know why they disregarded tactical instructions and failed to take responsibility, leading to avoidable errors. Players described the outburst as unprecedented, stating they had "never seen Kuzoach as angry as he was after Hapoel Haifa." The team expressed significant disappointment, feeling Hapoel Haifa secured a point through a "shot from the moon and a penalty" without creating many chances.

Adding to the frustration, some within the club questioned Kuzoach's own tactical decisions, specifically the substitutions of key players Javon East and Eliel Peretz. Peretz, in particular, was described as indispensable and crucial to the team's current performance.

The club is now focused on preparing Igor Zlatanovic for Monday's match against Maccabi Tel Aviv. Additionally, Zahai Ahmed will return after serving a suspension from the cup final.

In parallel, the club plans to meet with players unlikely to receive significant playing time this season to discuss loan moves. Roey Levy, Yoni Stoyanov, and Itay Hazut were not in the squad for Wednesday's game and are expected to be loaned out. The team faces a challenge integrating returning players like Zlatanovic, Adrian Grbic, Amankwaa Forson, and Ahmed, as it may lead to other senior players being sidelined. Besides Stoyanov, Hazut, and likely Ayalon Almog, one or two more players might be loaned out, with the club noting the competition is not just for starting spots but for making the matchday squad.