Maccabi Haifa's Tactics Mismatch Squad, Analyst Argues

An analysis suggests that Maccabi Haifa's current tactical system, particularly the use of three central defenders, is not aligning with the strengths of its player roster. Despite securing six out of a possible nine points early in the season, the team's performance is perceived as faltering, prompting a need for the coaching staff to reassess their approach.

The core issue identified is the lack of suitable wing-backs or wide midfielders capable of executing the demands of a three-defender formation. While past successes with players like Dolav Hazeza and Pierre Cornud are recalled, the current squad lacks individuals with that specific skillset. The article posits that employing a three-defender system, especially with a less-than-peak Pedro Henrique, is detrimental as it sacrifices an attacking player, despite the team spending most of its time in the opponent's half.

Quality is also noted as lacking on the left wing, with Kangwa Chigwa not starting the season strongly and Cedric D'Almeida failing to provide significant attacking impact. While coach Barak Bakhar has focused on defensive improvements, the article stresses the offensive role of wingers.

Brazilian newcomer Lior Refaelov is highlighted as the team's "x-factor" and the primary reason for their current points total, stepping into the void left by Cheron Sherry. However, the article suggests that with Pedro Brazão on the right and Yair Mordechai on the left, the team could become more versatile, allowing Refaelov to contribute more effectively without bearing the entire offensive burden. Mordechai, who scored ten goals last season, is presented as a more effective option than D'Almeida.

On a positive note, the article praises the club's scouting for acquiring Refaelov, describing him as a "football star." Other foreign signings like Nemanja Lončar, Tsunami, and Andrea Novaković are also seen as potentially valuable additions, with Lončar being a good defender, Tsunami suited for the center-back role, and Novaković possessing physical attributes that could trouble opposing defenders. If Brazão also proves successful, this transfer window would be considered a rare success for the club's foreign player acquisitions, though it's too early to definitively assess most of them.

Domestically, Ali Mohamed, Eitan Azulai, and Omri Glazer are considered reliable assets, with Glazer recently scoring his first goal as expected from a Maccabi Haifa striker. The article concludes by advocating for a return to a classic 4-3-3 formation, suggesting that this would allow both existing and new players, even those with professional limitations, to perform better.