Hapoel Jerusalem Coach Acknowledges Team's Ups and Downs After Win

Hapoel Jerusalem secured their first points of the season with a dramatic 4-2 victory over Kiryat Shmona on Saturday 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 significant areas for improvement, particularly in defense, while praising the team's character and the impact of his substitutes.

"We know how much work we have ahead of us," Zada stated, emphasizing a game-by-game approach and a focus on building a different team from last year. He expressed a desire for more aggression from his players and noted that while the offensive play was good, the defense needs correction.

Kiryat Shmona's coach, Shi Brada, attributed the loss to "every possible mistake," admitting his team faltered after taking a 2-1 lead. He lamented uncharacteristic errors that led to their downfall, despite a strong first half. Brada also addressed the absence of Adrian Ogrisa, stating he must work with the available squad while hoping for swift reinforcements, particularly a striker.

Brada acknowledged the club's success in player sales but stressed the ongoing challenge of squad building. He reiterated that the loss was not due to player absences but rather fundamental mistakes that have historically plagued the team.