Maccabi Netanya Coach Roni Levy Furious After Shock Loss

Maccabi Netanya coach Roni Levy expressed his anger at his players following their unexpected 2-0 defeat to Hapoel Ramat Gan on Monday. Levy had warned his team before the match that despite Ramat Gan's last-place standing, they were unlucky and dangerous. His prediction proved accurate as Ramat Gan secured their first win of the season.

Netanya dominated possession and created numerous chances, but their defense proved inadequate, conceding two easy goals. During halftime, Levy reportedly lambasted his defenders for their lack of aggression, apathy, and poor attitude, questioning their "heart and soul" and stating that while tactics can be taught, passion cannot.

Despite outshooting Ramat Gan 21 to 10 with more shots on target, Netanya failed to score. Players acknowledged the team's lack of quality and depth, hoping that new signing Olivier Verdon would improve their performance. Verdon, a defender for the Benin national team, is expected to arrive in Israel within 24 hours and has signed a two-year contract with an option for a third, becoming one of the team's highest earners at approximately $260,000 per season.

Netanya is also awaiting the arrival of Brazilian signing Isaac Rodrigues de Lima. Meanwhile, the club is reportedly not prioritizing defender Itay Ben Shabbat, who is being pursued by Hapoel Petah Tikva and seeking Netanya's contribution to his salary. Saba Khvadzhiani's contract will be frozen, with the club set to pay him his full $130,000 salary for the remainder of the season, though they are open to a one-time payment of $90,000 if the player agrees to an immediate departure.