Hapoel Tel Aviv Coach Downplays Championship Hopes After Big Win

Hapoel Tel Aviv secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Beitar Jerusalem in their second match of the Israeli Premier League season at Bloomfield Stadium. The impressive performance has fueled speculation about the team's potential to contend for their first league title in 17 years.

However, head coach Elyaniv Barda urged caution, stating, "I'm not rushing to declare anything, because you can be punished. We're not jumping over our belly buttons, we have our heads on our shoulders and know that today's crowd won't be like the crowd against Hapoel Ramat Gan and we'll need to be ready." He noted the team's fluctuating perception, being dismissed as contenders after a draw in the first week and then being labeled as such after a strong second-week performance.

Barda emphasized the team's ongoing development, highlighting the presence of many young players and his reluctance to make bold pronouncements. He contrasted the current season with the previous one, explaining that many players were experiencing their first taste of the Premier League last year, involving experimentation, player departures, and new arrivals. He expressed satisfaction that the team's cohesion exceeded expectations in the recent match.

Regarding the approaching transfer window deadline, Barda confirmed the club's continuous search for reinforcements. "We are always looking to strengthen and add more quality. We are listening to the market, and if we see something that can help us, we will go for it," he assured.