Beitar Jerusalem Owner Backs Coach Almog Cohen Amid Poor League Start

Beitar Jerusalem suffered a 3-0 defeat to Hapoel Tel Aviv on Thursday, leaving them with zero points after two rounds in the Israeli Premier League. Despite a strong showing in European competition, the team has struggled domestically, losing both league matches with a goal difference of 7-1 against them.

Despite the disappointing results, club owner Barak Abramov has publicly stated that there are no plans to replace head coach Almog Cohen. Abramov emphasized his confidence in Cohen, calling him a "top-tier professional" and asserting that "Almog Cohen is not going anywhere." Abramov believes that once the squad is healthy and potentially reinforced with another foreign player, the team's performance will improve.

Cohen himself acknowledged the team's poor performance but expressed confidence in his approach, drawing parallels to his past successes. He noted that the owner's public support, especially after recent losses, signifies a strong belief in his coaching.

Following the match, both Abramov and Cohen addressed the players, urging them to focus on the team and ignore external noise. Abramov reiterated his faith in the squad, stating, "We are together, through thick and thin."

Cohen is set to analyze the game and begin preparations for Monday's away match against Bnei Sakhnin. Nana Antwi is expected to return to the starting lineup, with Gil Cohen and Yarden Cohen also increasing their training intensity. While the left-back is unlikely to be fit for the upcoming game, Li'el Dar'i is expected to replace the suspended Gadra'ni alongside Carvallo. Additionally, Giovansko Calo and Shon Weissman are anticipated to return to the starting eleven, with Tomer Yosefi also a possibility.