Hapoel Petah Tikva Coach Confronts Players Over Discipline Issues

Hapoel Petah Tikva coach Omer Peretz held a stern team meeting on the field ahead of their upcoming match against league champions Hapoel Be'er Sheva. Peretz addressed issues of player discipline, including lateness to training and other related matters, stating, "Don't test me. I can be the best with you, but whoever breaks discipline won't be here. I can also be very bad." He expressed frustration that such basic issues are arising early in the season at a club of Hapoel Petah Tikva's stature.

Peretz also spoke about feeling that some players are "resentful" and making faces during training instead of competing for playing time. He noted that while he fostered a cohesive locker room last season, cracks are appearing this year, impacting the team's atmosphere. "I'm not holding anyone here by force. If someone doesn't want to be here, my door is open, they can come and say it, and at that moment, they won't stay," Peretz declared, seemingly referencing the unexpected departure of Orel Dgani to MS Ashdod.

One player confirmed the coach's anger was justified, admitting, "There are a few here who allow themselves too much." Professional director Nir Levin was present during the meeting but allowed Peretz to deliver the message to the players. Meanwhile, striker Ibai Ike Bilah is expected to arrive in Israel by early next week to complete medical tests and sign a contract, potentially replacing Frank Rolihya who suffered a season-ending knee injury. Bilah may undergo surgery and rehabilitation in France due to his existing insurance there.

In parallel, Dgani's departure has accelerated negotiations with Roey Zrihan and Itay Ben Shabbat, one of whom is expected to join as a third center-back alongside Diego Arroyo and Aleksandar Musonda.