Maccabi Haifa Seeks Stability by Returning to Key Midfielder Amidst Early Season Struggles

Maccabi Haifa is facing mounting pressure following a 3-1 loss to Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Israeli Premier League, exacerbating concerns about the team's construction and foreign player acquisitions. The defeat, coupled with earlier losses in the Toto Cup, including significant defeats to Kiryat Shmona and in the Haifa derby, has fueled criticism regarding the team's poor preparation for the current season. Having finished fifth last season and not being considered title contenders this year, the club had hoped a summer without European competition would allow for better team building under professional director Lior Rafaelov and coach Barak Bakhar, but early results suggest otherwise.

Maccabi Haifa has played seven official matches this season, with a mixed record of two wins and three losses in the Toto Cup, and one win and one loss in the league. The team is set to host Hapoel Petah Tikva in a crucial match that the club views as a must-win to alleviate pressure and prevent a snowball effect of negative results. Internal criticism following the loss to Maccabi Tel Aviv focused on tactical decisions and the starting lineup, with particular disappointment in the performances of players like Jelle Bataille, Silva Kani, and Yarin Levi, and confusion over why Mo­hamed was left out of the starting eleven while Yarin Levi was preferred.

Midfielder Ali Mo­hamed, who entered the game at halftime against Maccabi Tel Aviv, is seen as a potential solution to the team's midfield struggles. His presence, ball-winning ability, aggression, and effective passing were credited with improving Haifa's control of the game in the second half, despite conceding a third goal. Mo­hamed, in his sixth season with the club and a key Israeli player, has been a consistent performer, contributing to two league titles and a notable Champions League campaign. His younger brother, Dickson Mo­hamed, is also set to sign a senior contract with the club.

Despite the acquisition of foreign defensive midfielders who have largely disappointed, Mo­hamed remains a stable and valuable asset for coach Barak Bakhar. Injuries limited his playing time last season, but with the team focused solely on the league this year, he is expected to be a cornerstone of the midfield. The club has also signed Portuguese midfielder Pedro Brazão and is looking to integrate Bruninho, aiming for improved offensive strength. Coach Bakhar is expected to make changes to the lineup for the upcoming match against Hapoel Petah Tikva, with Mo­hamed confirmed to start. Other potential changes include Iyad Hallaili and Cedric Don replacing Bataille and Gura, while Andrea Novakovic was practiced in the forward position. A victory and a strong performance are seen as essential to turn the season around and return the team to its expected position at the top of the league.