Former Israeli Footballer Slams Almog Cohen's Coaching Inexperience

Former Israeli international Eli Ohana has heavily criticized Almog Cohen's lack of experience as a professional manager, following a dismal start to the season for his team, Beitar Jerusalem. Beitar currently sits second to last in the Israeli Premier League after two matches, with a goal difference of minus six, after a humiliating 3-0 loss to Hapoel Tel Aviv.

Ohana argued that the role of professional manager is distinct from coaching and requires different skills, suggesting Cohen is out of his depth. "It was clear that a professional manager is a completely different role. You are not involved in the day-to-day, you don't deal with players, you don't need to see players' faces. Suddenly he has to make substitutions, react, and apparently, he lacks the experience," Ohana stated. He contrasted Cohen's situation with that of Yitzhaki, who, despite also arriving without experience, had Cohen to consult.

Ohana further lamented Beitar Jerusalem's poor performance, noting the midfield's inability to compete with Hapoel Tel Aviv's aggressive play. He expressed concern over the form of key players like Yarden Shua and Eugene Ansah, and questioned the team's overall strategy and player acquisitions, including Weissman and Yosefi. "I don't know what's going on with Yarden Shua, he's not in the game. Omer Atzili started well... Eugene Ansah gets lost in this formation. There's no one to pass through balls to," Ohana said.

In contrast, Nir Klinger praised Hapoel Tel Aviv's tactical setup and squad, suggesting they are competitive with top teams like Beer Sheva and Maccabi Tel Aviv. "Hapoel Tel Aviv is not less good than Beer Sheva and Maccabi Tel Aviv," Klinger remarked, attributing their success to good management and energy. However, he noted that Hapoel Tel Aviv might be defensively exposed and would need a deeper squad to contend for the championship, while suggesting that coach Eliniv Barda should aim for a top-three finish rather than the title itself this season.