Hapoel Jerusalem Coach Lior Zada Reflects on Thrilling Season Opener Win

Hapoel Jerusalem secured their first points of the season with an impressive 4-2 victory over Kiryat Shmona on Saturday evening at the Rehovot stadium. The match was described by Jerusalem's coach, Lior Zada, as a "rollercoaster, scandal, and festival." Despite the win, Zada acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly in defense, stating, "We know there is work ahead of us." He praised the team's character in their comeback and the positive impact of the substitutes, who brought energy and momentum to the game.

Zada emphasized that it is too early to assess his tenure with the team, focusing instead on a game-by-game approach. He highlighted the team's current strengths and expressed a desire for greater aggression. Looking ahead, he reiterated the need for continued hard work, stating, "We know how much work we have ahead of us."

Kiryat Shmona's coach, שי ברדה (Shi Brada), admitted his team made numerous mistakes, leading to a deserved loss. He noted a lapse in concentration after taking a 2-1 lead, attributing the defeat to uncharacteristic errors. Brada acknowledged the team's strong first half but stressed that such mistakes are punished at this level.

Brada also addressed the absence of player אדריאן אוגריסה (Adrian Ugrisa), stating that he must work with the available squad. He expressed hope for swift reinforcements, particularly a striker, while acknowledging the club's success in player sales that generate revenue. Brada concluded that the loss was not due to the player's absence but rather to fundamental errors that have plagued Kiryat Shmona.