Hapoel Be'er Sheva Coach Ran Kozuch's Player Development Skills Highlighted

Ran Kozuch, the coach of Hapoel Be'er Sheva, recently expressed confidence in his ability to coach Real Madrid, stating in a Channel Sport interview with Omri Asnheim, "I think so. I can do it. Absolutely." While this assertion might seem bold, Kozuch's track record suggests his self-assurance is grounded in tangible results and his ability to foster player growth.

Before his current role, Kozuch led Maccabi Petah Tikva to win the State Cup in his sole season with the team. A notable example of his player development was the transformation of midfielder Maor Levy. Levy, initially on loan from Maccabi Haifa and struggling to secure a regular spot, found renewed purpose under Kozuch. Despite initial hesitation about his starting position, a personal conversation with Kozuch, who expressed strong belief in his talent, marked a turning point. Levy stated, "Ran improved me on levels that are hard for me to explain," citing enhancements in his physical output and mental game. This partnership culminated in Maccabi Petah Tikva's State Cup victory, their first since 1952, with Levy playing a crucial role.

Another instance showcasing Kozuch's impact is with attacking midfielder Eliel Peretz. After a career with several Israeli clubs and two stints abroad, Peretz joined Hapoel Be'er Sheva in 2024 aiming to revitalize his career. Kozuch's initial approach involved challenging Peretz, telling him, "If you want to play this year too, you need to keep improving." Peretz initially misinterpreted this as pressure to leave, but it was intended to motivate him to reach his potential. The result was a strong 2025/26 season where Peretz became a regular starter, contributing significantly to the team's league-leading goal attempts and key passes, ultimately winning his first career championship as a vital player for Hapoel Be'er Sheva.

These cases illustrate that Kozuch is not just tactically adept but also skilled at communicating with players, building their confidence, and inspiring them to exceed expectations. His method of using personal conversations as a catalyst for significant improvement has proven effective. While Hapoel Be'er Sheva did not qualify for the Champions League group stage, Kozuch's achievements, including the State Cup with Maccabi Petah Tikva and a championship with Be'er Sheva, alongside his success in developing players, highlight his capabilities. The article concludes by suggesting that if Kozuch continues this trajectory, a call from a major club like Real Madrid might eventually come, but for now, Hapoel Be'er Sheva has its own "special" coach.