Hapoel Be'er Sheva Coach Rages After Dropping Points

Hapoel Be'er Sheva is experiencing significant frustration following a 2-2 draw against Hapoel Haifa on Wednesday, a result that saw them squander a lead and drop two crucial points. Coach Ran Kozuch expressed deep disappointment with his team's performance, particularly their second-half collapse after a dominant first half.

"It cannot be that in such a great half for us we only score one goal," stated club officials, reflecting on a first half where Be'er Sheva clearly outplayed their opponents. "We need to know how to utilize the chances. To utilize our control. The first half should have ended with three goals for us, but even if we didn't manage to score more than one, it's impossible to have such a decline in quality, performance, and the established playing principles of Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the second half."

Kozuch was particularly critical of his team's decision to retreat and defend deep in their own penalty area against Hapoel Haifa. "With all due respect to Hapoel Haifa, it cannot be that against them we have to drop so low and defend so low inside our box. This is not Hapoel Be'er Sheva's football," he stated at the post-match press conference.

When asked about managing the squad across two competitions, Kozuch was resolute: "Whoever can play will play, and whoever cannot stand it, will not play." He also commented on new signings, noting that "Ogrisa will add a lot of power" and that Forson is expected to strengthen the midfield. Kozuch concluded by reiterating his disappointment, saying, "The story of the game for me is: Hapoel Be'er Sheva stops playing Hapoel Be'er Sheva. Stops pressing high, starts dropping low. I won't say I scorn this type of football, but I will say I know the disadvantages of this football. I am so disappointed with the moments we dropped to defend inside the box. And it makes me think a lot."