Beitar Jerusalem Star Acknowledge Fan Frustration After Loss

Beitar Jerusalem player Omer Atzili spoke for the first time since the team's recent heavy 3-0 defeat to Hapoel Tel Aviv at Bloomfield Stadium on Thursday. Atzili acknowledged the fans' frustration, stating, "We understand the fans' frustration. We are also disappointed." He added that the team is looking ahead to their next match on Monday, emphasizing, "We are not lowering our heads."

Atzili reflected on the team's performance, noting a strong start in European competition despite unfavorable results, which was followed by a confidence dip after a recent game against Netanya. "The last game took us back in confidence," he said. He dismissed the idea that something was fundamentally missing, attributing the recent struggles to a loss of confidence rather than a lack of quality. "Today I have nothing to say. We came to give everything, we weren't there in terms of ability, but we gave everything. It's very disappointing."

Addressing the comparison between coaches Barak and Almog, Atzili stated that not much has changed, as both coaches employ similar methods and provide similar confidence. He stressed that the team started the season poorly and that true confidence should come from within the players, not just after wins. "It's easiest to be confident after wins, you don't need a coach for that, every player needs to have their own confidence."

Regarding criticism of coach Almog, Atzili said the team hears it but does not let it affect them. "We are Beitar and we know the pressure. We are all together with him and the staff, we cannot stand after losses, that everyone will blame the coach. We also don't look good and we take responsibility for it. The whole team doesn't look good." He recalled that just two weeks prior, after he scored twice, people praised the team's start to the season, contrasting it with current criticism. "I believe in us very much. I hope we will run until the end."

Atzili expressed his belief in the team's potential, comparing their current setup to last year's successful squad, which he said provides confidence. He sees the upcoming Monday match as the best way to overcome the current crisis. He also explained his recent media silence, stating he decided to step back but might speak more going forward.